Consumer Contractor

Use diluted liquid Palmolive soap to clean glass and ceramics. It doesn’t leave a residue.  

For many years I ate with a knife, fork and spoon. I mean, even more than one of each. Tea spoon, table spoon, soup spoon, you know what I mean. Now my life is easier. I only eat with scissors, one scissors, a scissor, a pair of scissors, both halves of scissors. Is it singular? Are they plural ? Help me out here.

Is this a joke?  No, no, they really work! Try it, get out your scissors and start eating. Open them slightly for a scoop affect, squeeze them very gently for a tong affect, stab them like a fork.  Want to cut sometimes? Who needs a knife – just flail away cutting to your hearts content with your… you got it… scissors. Sometimes my right hand gets tired, and then I grab my scissors with both hands.

I take them with me to Chinese restaurants. They think I’m cool. Some people use chop sticks, some a regular knife and fork but no one else uses a scissors. I bring a bright red pair. Once this Chinese guy asked me if I had an extra pair of scissors on me. I didn’t but I let him use mine for awhile.  The kitchen were happy to wash them for me.

Scissors as an eating utensil is very romantic for a candlelight dinner. We each hold a side and eat off the scissors at the same time.  When you get really close you can lick the gravy off the side. It’s a precursor to a French kiss which is a precursor to you know what.

But I just don’t eat with a scissors, I cook with one. I cut vegetables, cut toast, scramble eggs, stir fry, mix, I do just about everything with a scissors.

I love my scissors and my scissors loves me.  They have never let me down. I find that they like certain phrases such as “pretty scissors” and “want to go for a walk?”

Let me know how it goes with your scissors. Maybe we could start a blog, a fan club, a forum, a newsgroup, a focus group. We will then be in a position to organize a conference, a cruise and have seminars. Life is going to be so much fun.

 Brian Corcoran

For years there have been stories like the New York mogul who ordered fresh baguettes flown in by the Concord supersonic jet every morning from a bakery in Paris. In Toronto I can get apples from South Africa and even garlic from China.

Recent, wild currency fluctuations has spurred more cross country purchases than ever before, and it’s not just a matter of going from Toronto to Buffalo either!  Nextag and Yahoo Shops  are sites with all kinds of rankings and security features where every manner of consumer products can be delivered right to your door. A new site, Consumer Contractor even sells complex HVAC systems and other equipment for residential, industrial and commercial buildings.

So, together with you checking out the newspaper flyers, you should surf the web for the most appropriate products at the best prices. Just make sure you factor in delivery costs, warranty exclusions and possible sales taxes and/or customs charges. Phoning the manufacturer’s customer service line before you buy and asking questions about the product will help greatly in making an informed decision. Going into the manufacturer’s website may give you detailed specifications, photos, installation guides, add-ons, etc. that will make your purchase a rewarding one.

Make sure that you take advantage of coupons and special discounts that many sites offer. Enquire about second address delivery service, insurance, return policy, gift wrapping and personal card services. Will there be a re-stocking fee?

Use Google to search for the exact make  and model that you are thinking of buying. Quite often you will find a critic / analysis of the item. Some sites might even suggest and rank alternative models or brands.

Many times you will be dealing with a different currencies; Globexgx is a good site to exchange and transfer money. Make sure the website is secure; Paypal is an example of a secure method of payment.

Keep asking questions  by phone, fax, blog and/or email until you are satisfied that you have the perfect product for the best terms and conditions. 
 

Brian Corcoran
Elizabaths.com

Whether your home renovation project has been something you’ve dreamed of doing for years or a more “spur of the moment” decision, your renovation will go a lot more smoothly if you take the time to plan it properly.

In fact, a good plan can make or break your renovation experience. Seriously.

Here are some tips for planning your renovation project:

Figure out why you want to renovate. Major renovation projects are major work so you need to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Is it because you see the potential in your home and plan to stay in it for many years to come? Or are you looking to sell it and see renovation as a way to make it more attractive to potential buyers? Most experts agree that you should renovate for yourself, not for resale. At the very least, don’t pour piles of money into a high-end remodel when minor cosmetic surgery would suffice.

Have your home inspected. This will give you the information you need to make the right decisions about where to spend your money. It will also help prevent any nasty surprises during the renovation process that could throw a wrench into the works.

Talk with other members of the family to figure out when the work should occur. Major renovations are potentially very disruptive to family life. If everyone has had a say chances are they will be more understanding of the compromises that the renovation may mean.

Figure out your budget and arrange financing, if necessary. Financing options such as renovation loans may give you more money to invest into your home. Depending on the type of project you are undertaking doing a large amount of work all at once may make a lot more sense than going at it piecemeal.

Decide what materials and fixtures you want in advance. This not only ensures you stay within budget, it also means you will have what you need when the work is being done rather than making a last-minute decision and having to wait for the order to arrive.

Spend money for quality. You may save a few dollars for a cheaper option but if it won’t stand the test of time you’ll end up paying more in the long run. Keep the big picture in mind.

Make sure the renovation is in keeping with the rest of your home.

Think green. Choose energy efficient options wherever possible and you will reap savings for years to come.

Think about your long term needs to help determine your choices. A kids playroom may be a great idea but don’t make the décor too cutesy or you will be right back at the remodeling thing again in just a couple of years. Choose options that will last the years.

Hire a general contractor and thoroughly discuss what you want to have. This person will act as your main liaison and coordinate all the various trades. A good contractor knows the business and will ensure that everything runs according to plan.

If you are renovating critical living space, such as the kitchen, bathroom or living room, consider moving out if at all possible. At the very least set up an alternative area for cooking and personal hygiene.

 Don’t wait until the trucks show up with workers and power tools to tell your neighbors about your plans. They will be a lot more supportive of the noise and general disruption if they are informed well in advance.