Cyber Monday – the Aftermath

 

Cyber Monday as we all are very well aware of is the Monday that comes after the Thanksgiving holiday. The term itself was created by marketing companies in a bid to promote online shopping, and like every year, much hype and expectation was placed on the day this year too.

The deals offered on Cyber Monday are online only, by those retailers who cannot possibly compete with the giants, but have an amazing playing field in cyber world. The day as opposed to Black Friday generally offers majority of deals in fashion retail.

The Day After Cyber Monday For Online Shoppers

This year, Cyber Monday proved to be a game changer, and attracted shoppers far more than was expected particularly after a weekend prior that saw very few people shopping in stores. One of the reasons for this might be because shoppers have had more chances to get deals throughout the week, making this a weeklong online shopping fiesta. 

The holiday season is not yet over, and it has been predictedwhat with promotions and deals spread out across the whole of December that shoppers will continue to spend long after the initial sugar rush. To entice shoppers, Wal-Mart doubled the number of promotions for Cyber Monday, and the number will continue to grow throughout the rest of the holiday season. 

Shoppers Have The Luxury To Wait And See

The best thing about deals is yet to come! Now, shoppers can postpone their Christmas shopping, and still end up with amazing, and money saving deals and promotions online. At the rate this season has been going, people are more willing to wait out for the best deals and promotions, because they can!

This is largely due to the stellar performance of some retail stores, which came out on top of their class from Sunday, and throughout the day after cyber Monday. The retail stores listed here are the ones to look out for closely as the time for Christmas rolls around the corner.

The Top Online Stores To Put Up A Show Come Christmas

Since these stores showcased a bucket load of popular offers and sales this cyber week, there is a very good chance that they’ll want to extend them for Christmas! Fingers crossed.

Google Play: Is best for landing on the best freebie deals, for those who have over stretched and exhausted their wallets on Black Friday madness. 

Home Depot:  Ideal for the do it yourself aficionados, who don’t mind a trip to the local home depot store to collect the spoils of your endeavors. 

Ralph Lauren: Is best for the high flyers of fashion that are looking to get the best deals on high quality inner and outer wear. 

Boscov’s: Ideal for the hard savers who are looking to land on kitchen items, offers of discounted dishes to cheap cookware and other items. 

So, keep your eyes open for yet more online shopping madness!

5 Must Have Kitchen Tools

By: May Gayle Mengert, AMS

The kitchen is an essential part of every household and you have to admit, regular upgrading of this area in the house is not only fun, but practical as well. With a number of new tools and appliances coming into the market regularly, it becomes hard to decide what to get. 

       May Gayle Mengert

I have compiled a list of five must-have appliances and devices for your kitchen:

1. The Trio Peeler

What else could a peeler do except peel? This is the thought that comes to mind when one first reads this term. However, you must have noticed that your single purpose peeler may be good with peeling potatoes and apples, but is not that efficient when it comes to peeling tomatoes. 

The Trio peeler is the perfect solution for peeling all sorts of fruits and vegetables whether they are hard or soft. The third function of this special peeler is that it juliennes as well! Now wouldn’t you want to have this in your kitchen? 

2. The Rotating Potato Masher

Potatoes the that type of food that is commonly used in every house. You may be a vegetarian or not, but potatoes will still be part of the menu at home. Doesn’t it get tiring to keep pounding potatoes to get them mashed?

Of course it does, which is why the rotating potato masher is a must-have! This essential tool simply requires you to use the palm of your hand to rotate a plastic/rubber or silicone based fan like head. It not only creates a wonderful mash in less time, but it requires minimum effort!

3. The Zyliss Five Way Opener

Why have a separate can opener and a bottle cap opener? The five way opener allows you to perform five “opening” functions in one, simple device. 

• Soda Can Pop Top Pull Up

• Bottle Cap Opener

• Unsealing of Machine-tightened bottle caps

• Pull Tabs Opener

• Unseals food cans or jars

4. The Tea Swizzle

Don’t you enjoy the flavor of tea made by teabags as much as open tea? This is the solution for you! Some of the best tea leaves are homegrown and come in loose packs. 

No need to worry anymore, as the tea swizzle will let you enjoy a perfect cup of loose tea! Or even if you want to mix two different types of tea leaves, this is the best way to do it!

5. The Perfect Paring Knife

This knife is perfect for both simple cutting tasks, thanks to the easy to use handle, and difficult chopping duties. This single paring knife performs the functions of three different knives depending on your needs and requirements. Mincing, chopping, peeling, coring, shaping and trimming! You name it and this single device will do it for you! 

Adding these tools to your kitchen will not only make your daily tasks easier to perform, but these tools actually look good in your kitchen as well!

Paul Mengert, President of AMG on Living in Smaller Spaces

Downsizing Your Living Space

Moving from a large place to a small place for living can be both tiring and saddening. This kind of move makes you realize that you have to let go of a number of things that you had and used in your large house or apartment.

This is definitely not an easy task, as most of us are left in a quandary when it comes to deciding what you need in your new space. Here are few strategies you could use when it comes to downsizing your living space. 

Can You Live Without It?

Ask yourself if you can manage a life without that mountain terrain bicycle you bought while you were living in your open, large space. Now that you have moved to a small apartment in the city, do you really need that bicycle? Why not go to the gym close to your home to burn the extra calories, instead?

Go through all the items and furniture you own and ask yourself one question, how many times have you used it? Be honest with yourself. This way, you will end up with a number of things that you realize you don’t really need. 

Keeping Your New Space Clutter Free

Clutter is something that tends to accumulate with time and sometimes, tags along when you are moving to a smaller living space. Before moving, make sure you get rid of all the unnecessary clutter lying around the house. Free samples of the perfume you got at a promotion in the mall, kits from your hotels while you were travelling, unnecessary paperwork and mail, you need to get rid of all these things! 

Avoid taking freebies from fairs or promotions or make a habit of donating these things to those in need instead of taking themhome. Do not leave it for “later”!

Hybrid Furniture

Hybrid furniture is the type of furniture that serves more than one purpose. This is a sound investment when it comes to downsizing your living space. If you do not have a guest room, try buying a sofa cum bed as it will not only serve the purpose of a comfortable couch but will also attribute to an extra bed when the need arises. 

If you have enough space for a single table, get one that can double up as an office table, coffee table or meal table. Depending on the storage spaces, use multipurpose organizer drawers keys, bags, ties, etc. 

Sell The Unnecessary 

If you have a large number of items that you do not need when you move out, consider having a small yard sale. These days, instead of having a physical sale, you can easily upload the items you want on websites like eBay and Craiglist to generate a better sale. A number of people will pay a good amount of money for collectible items and antique furniture that you have to get rid of. However, make sure you have a good description and a reliable payment option once you post your advertisement online!

 

 

Protect Pets—and Common Areas—from Parasites

Dogs and cats can be great companions, but they also can carry fleas, ticks and parasites into your home and our community. Infestations can spread quickly through a community when flea-infested carpeting or pet bedding is disposed of improperly, when a flea-infested pet plays with your pet and when pet waste is left uncollected on common areas. 

Help avoid harmful pests in your home and community with the following tips, and follow up with your veterinarian to learn more about other ways to prevent and treat outbreaks.

 

· Apply a topical flea and tick pesticide. Fleas lay 40 to 50 eggs a day. Unless a pesticide kills 95 percent of the fleas, you won’t eliminate the problem. To do this, you need to use the products sold by your veterinarian. Over-the-counter products just aren’t strong or effective enough. Monthly applications will help keep pets healthy even when they’re exposed to parasites—including mosquitos and mites.

 

· Always leash your pet. Although you may trust your pets to obey commands, keeping them leashed lessens the likelihood they’ll be infected by other pets and wildlife.

 

· Keep your pet clean. Even indoor pets should be inspected for ticks and flea “dirt,” which looks like pepper at the base of the coat on the skin. An occasional bath with flea shampoo is a good idea as well. Visit your local pet store or grooming facility or check online for information on bathing routines and options that are best for your pet.

 

· Monitor your pet’s behavior. Scratching is your first indication that fleas have discovered your dog or cat. Apply a topical pesticide immediately. Fleas, ticks and mosquitos carry potentially life threatening pathogens, so pets can experience a wide range of symptoms if infected; be suspicious of changes in behavior and discuss them promptly with your veterinarian.

 

· Keep the situation contained. Once you’ve treated your pet and your home (and possibly your yard or outdoor surroundings depending on how severe the infestation), keep the pet close to home until the problem is resolved. Wash bedding and toys that may harbor eggs or larvae in hot water. Infested bedding or carpeting should be tightly sealed in plastic bags before disposing to reduce risk of spreading to others.

Paul Mengert, President

Association Management Group, Inc. (AMG)

See You Later, Summer!

It’s that time of year—you’re exchanged your swimsuit for sweaters and scarves just in time to roll up your sleeves and prepare you home for cooler weather. As we watch summer fade into the sunset, consider adding the following items to your winterization checklist, and ensure your home is in tip-top shape for the fall and winter seasons.

    Paul K. Mengert, Association Manager & Trainer    

    Association Management Group, Inc.

    Greensboro, NC

 

◾️ Update your window treatments. Summer’s venetian blinds and sheer curtain panels won’t keep the frigid air from creeping in on a cold night. Consider switching to a denser curtain fabric for the winter months to keep your home feeling cozy and keep heating bills low.

 

◾️ Schedule appliance check-ups. Your HVAC system, air ducts and hot water heater should be checked by a licensed professional to ensure all elements are in good shape for the change in weather—especially if any appliances worked overtime during summer months.

 

◾️ Don’t forget the attic. Check for leaks in the roof, possible cracks in attic windows and insufficient insulation. With the help of a licensed professional or advice from your local home improvement store staff, you can shield your attic from harsh weather. We recommend checking with the BBB (BBB.org).

 

◾️ Replace weather stripping. Doors and windows need extra help to hold heat inside your home. Inspect all door and window perimeters for cracks or tears in your current weather stripping. You also can add a second layer of protection with temporary weather stripping applied overtop your existing seals.

 

◾️ Deep clean and declutter. Thoroughly clean your home’s nooks and crannies inside and out. Ensure electrical cords, outlets and air vents are dust- and clutter-free; tidy up garages and storage areas; and clear any debris from your home’s exterior, especially around vents and drains.

Converting Your Home into a Senior-Friendly Residence

Are your parents moving into your home due to their old age? Do you want to modify their existing home to suit their currenthealth needs? No matter what the reason, here is how you canconvert an existing residence into a senior-friendly abode:

Easy to Open Hardware

Although you may not have any issues turning a doorknob, but it is quite possible that your aging parents may feel pain when they twist the knob to open the door, especially if they are suffering from arthritis or other similar conditions. Replace yourtraditional door locks with level styled hardware that is easy to open. Levers also work best on faucets in place of twisting taps and rather than opting for toggle light switches, choose rocker switches that are illuminated at night so that your parents and other aged people can easily access the switches.

Firm Footing Floors

Slippery floors can be dangerous in a home where elderly people reside. This is why you need to install flooring that is slip-proof. You can add firmly placed mats or rugs on the floor if you do not want to modify the entire flooring. You will also need to eliminate all those spots where people may trip accidently. Thresholds, and thick carpets can be quite a hindrance for those elderly people who need to use a walker, and they will also be a cause for tripping for other aged persons.

Staircase Safety

Ideally, elderly people should be moved into a residence that is only on the ground level so that they will be able to avoidclimbing the stairs completely. However, if that is to possible,handrails should be installed on both sides of the stairs, theedges of each step should be carefully marked and plenty oflighting should be installed the stairwell so that your parents or other elderly people will be able to climb up and down the stairswith ease.

Lighting-Up the Home

Dark places become the cause for accidental bumps, trips, and falls. Thus, if you want to make your home senior-friendly, install plenty of light fixtures in every room and corner so that no one will face an accident due to the unlit corners present within the residence.

Shelves and Seating

Elderly people get tired easily, and this is why you need toprovide them with plenty of areas around the house where they can sit down or place the items they are holding to rest a little before moving forward.

Securing Bathrooms

Adding grab bars in the shower, near the toilet and the sink willhelp elderly people in the bathroom. It is best to install a shower cabinet instead of a tub, as it is easier to get into and come out of. Handle held showers allow for easy mobility and easy to open faucets with single settings allow elderly people to clean themselves without being burned or injured.

 

Using the modifications above will help you in not onlyconverting your home into a senior-friendly residence for your parents, but will also be of help to any other relatives or guests that your parents invite to their residence.

How to Find the Perfect Chandelier for Your Home

Do you want to enhance the beauty of a dull and dimly lit room? Are you looking for a focal point to attract the guests’ attentionwhen they walk in?

Chandeliers are jewels placed within the interior of your home.They are not only eye catching and exquisitely designed, but can also balance the play of lights within your interior to provideyou with a sufficiently bright room.

However, finding and placing the right chandelier in your home is not an easy task. It requires heavy deliberation and decision making on at least three aspects; the style of the chandelier, its size and its color scheme.

Style

Chandeliers are available in a variety of styles, from traditional and antique to modern and futuristic. However, the selection of the correct one demands that you analyze the overall theme and style of your home décor. You may prefer to contrast a modern interior with an antique chandelier or you may be in favor ofmetallic chandeliers that complement the modern touch in yourhome. The decision of staying true to one style or creating a blend is entirely up to you, so make sure that you are opting for the right chandelier for your abode.

Size

The perfect chandelier is well proportioned with regard to the room’s interior. It is of the right diameter, and height, having the correct number of arms to make it a focal point of the roomwithout overcrowding it.

There are some simple formulas that can help you indetermining what height and diameter is the best in accordancewith the space available in your room. Higher ceilings may have low hung chandeliers, and chandeliers placed over tabletopsmay be significantly higher than usual to provide enough space between the table and the lighting fixture.

It is important to remember that the more arms the chandelier has, the more lighting it will provide. Thus, the number of arms that you find perfect for your particular space; are dependententirely on the amount of light you require within the room.

Color

Colors bring highlights and dramatic effects into the room. Do you want your chandelier to blend with the interior of the room or are you looking for an impactful piece that will contrast the color scheme and stand out when you enter the room?

With regard to the color of your chandeliers, you also need to give high priority to the details and textures that are available, along with deciding how transparent or opaque you want yourlighting fixture to be. Modern interiors however, look best with brightly colored chandeliers and the most fashionable chandeliers are of transparent glass, opaque white and opaque black.

Other Important Factors

Aside from the above-mentioned top three factors, some other factors to consider when buying the perfect chandelier include the position of the chandelier within a room, the number of chandeliers to include in one room and so on.

Finding the right chandelier is a time consuming task, but can provide your home with more elegance and beauty, so begin your search today!