Homeowners: Kiss Your Keys Goodbye!Written by Steph
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What are things to look out for when choosing a lock? Pretty much what you would expect: 1. Make sure you get a high-quality lock with a good warranty, at least 5 years, from a reputable dealer who also has a clear, no-nonsense return policy. 2. Find a dealer that will sell you parts, just in case you need them. 3. If you think you’ll be purchasing more than one, also ask about volume discounts, even if you purchase them at different times. 4. Look for a dealer that carries several models and finishes, so you can get exactly what you want. 5. Check out installation instructions. These days, any homeowner equipped with a phillips head screw driver should pretty much be able to install these locks themselves and change combination in just a matter of minutes. 6. Make sure you know up front what tax, shipping and handling costs are. 7. Finally, shop around. Use Internet to find sites that sell digital door locks. It’s fast, easy, and secure.
Homeowner
| | Escape to Sunny Mexico - at Home!Written by Debbie Rodgers
Continued from page 1 •If you're serious about Mexican look, tile roof of your outdoor space with red clay tiles. •Use brightly colored tiles on a table or a tray. Carry terracotta theme with clay plant pots. Fabric •Roughly woven natural fibers, such a cotton tablecloths or woven rope chair seats, work best in this decorating scheme. •Use a brightly colored wool serape as a scatter mat, throw, or "wall" hanging. •This is perfect setting for a rope hammock for that afternoon siesta. •Use striped fabric in primary colors for cushion covers. Accessories •Accessorize your Mexican-styled space with wrought iron candlesticks or grille work. •Fish and bird motifs (such as roosters or parrots) are good, especially if made of clay or tile. •Carry bright colors into plantings in your space. Nasturtiums are ideal for hanging baskets or lattice you've installed. If you're growing zucchini or other squash, consider planting them near patio, so that blossoms add to your atmosphere. •If you want to get away from yellow in your flowers, use bougainvillaea, pastel poppies or broadleaf greenery such as yucca plants. •Heap a rope basket with apricots, guavas or pears. Alternatively, you can make oversized paper mâché replicas or paint wooden yard-sale fruits. Try a few of these ideas and before you know it, you'll be sipping margueritas and crunching tortillas in your very own Mexican courtyard.
Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide “Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden” is now available on her web site. Visit her at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on “Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com
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