Kitchen Renovations and Island Creations
Most homeowners could rhyme off a list of things they would like to change in their home design or decoration. One of the most rewarding projects I have worked on in recent times was a do-it-yourself kitchen island. By following the instructions below, you will be able to transform your simple kitchen into an island oasis…or something like that.
If you are like most homeowners, you have spent a fair amount of time in antique markets looking for that perfect new addition for your home. The next time you are out at the antique market or even a local garage sale, keep your eyes open for an old buffet. You can likely find one for less than 50 dollars, and it could well become your favorite piece of furniture.
Most buffets were designed to rest against a wall, and they generally have a cheaper wood covering the back side. When you get the buffet home, remove the cheap back board and start cleaning it up. I would recommend replacing the back board with tongue-and-groove pine. It is relatively cheap, and it looks great!
If the buffet is in poor condition, why not consider painting it? There are some wonderful colors available in paint today, and you could really have some fun with it. I particularly enjoy the paints that leave an aged, antique finish.
Next, you will need a piece of plywood for the top surface of your island. It should be cut so that there is approximately three inches of overhang on all sides. Once you have the plywood cut to the right specifications, place it on top of the buffet and secure it with screws.
Now it is time to edge the top with molding that matches the thickness of the material you are going to use for the surface. We chose to use marble tile, but you can feel free to use stone or ceramic. Tile the top surface as you would any other tiling job.
There are a number of ways to increase the functionality of your new kitchen island. One such way is to install a towel rack on one end of the island. Another option is to add some hooks on the opposite end that can be used to hang pots and pans from. Beyond that, you can always add new hardware to dress it up some more. Happy building!

Savi Decoursey is an interior designer in Toronto, Canada. When she is not consulting with her clients, she is a writer for kitchencabinetsanddesignsonline.com – an incredible online resource for information about kitchen cabinet hardware, flooring, appliances and more.


14 Steps You Can Take to Prevent Identity Theft:
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, known commonly as FACTA, was put into law in the United States to help to protect consumers from identity theft and to help in its prevention. FACTA ensures that all citizens are treated fairly when they apply for a mortgage or other form of credit and it entitles them to a free annual credit report to verify its accuracy.
Becoming a major epidemic, Identity Theft occurs when a criminal uses another person's personal information to take on that person's identity. Identity theft includes the misuse of a Social Security number, credit cards, mail fraud, scam, schemes, frauds, or any other form of misuse or abuse of a victim's identity.
There is no guarantee that you will never be a victim; however, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Here is a list of 14 steps you can take to prevent or at least minimize its occurrence:
1. Manage your personal information cautiously and with a new awareness that identity theft can occur anytime anywhere and when you least expect it.
2. Ask about security procedures in your workplace, doctor's office, or other business or organization that routinely collects relevant and personal identifying information as part of doing business or providing a service. Find out who has access to your personal information and verify that it is handled securely. Inquire about their disposal procedures and if your information will be shared with anyone else (namely third parties such as mailing list companies, marketing and survey companies, etc.).
3. Instead of giving your Social Security Number, inquire if you can use other types of identification. Use your Social Security Number with caution and only when absolutely necessary.
"Your Chances of becoming victimized by some form of identity theft is one in ten," according to the Federal Trade Commission.
4. If you find that you have been victimized, immediately file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint helps the FTC learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having. This knowledge helps them to assist you better.
5. Carry only the identification and the number of credit and debit cards that you will actually use. Leave extra cards in a safe place at home, in a safety deposit box, or any other secured location.
6. Avoid giving out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the internet unless you are absolutely sure you know and can trust with whom you are communicating. Caution: Before you share personal information, be sure you are dealing with a legitimate business or organization. (If you are unsure about an online communication, check the organization's website by typing its URL in the address line. Most large companies post alerts on their sites when they are aware of a scam when their name is used improperly.)
Identity thieves usually pose as representatives of banks, lotteries, sweepstakes, internet service providers, or some other officially-sounding-entity. They will use any means possible to try to get you to reveal your valuable information.
7. Call the Customer Service Department of companies or organizations with whom you do business using the number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book.
8. Do not place passwords on your credit card, bank, or telephone accounts.
9. When choosing a password, avoid using obvious information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, a series of consecutive numbers, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number or your phone number.
10. Pay attention to your billing cycles. A missing bill could mean an identity thief has gotten their hands on it.
"9.9 million people were victims of identity theft in 2002", according to the Federal Trade Commission. Don't wait until it happens to you.
11. Be wary of promotional scams or phony offers to get you to give them your personal information such as lottery and sweepstakes' that you have never entered and ones asking for an "administration" fee.
12. If your job requires you to suit up in special clothing at work, never leave your purse or wallet in your personal clothes. Always keep them in a safe and secured place.
13. When reordering checks, pick them up at the bank instead of having them sent to your mailbox.
14. Obtain a current credit report by contacting any of these major credit bureaus:
Equifax: P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
For Fraud Alerts, call: 800-525-6285
Experian: P.O. Box 2002 Allen TX 75013
For Fraud Alerts, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Trans Union: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
For Fraud Alerts, call: 800-680-7289
Think you're not at risk? Unfortunately, you are. View "Protecting Your Identity" blog at www.ProtectingYourIdentity.blogspot.com to learn more about what you can do to protect yours.

Known as The Master Blog Builder, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, is in the business of helping small business owners and non-profit organizations improve their customer relationship marketing. Often he comes across cases that are red flags calling identity thieves to come in. Hence, he started the "Protecting Your Identity" blog. Contact him at: www.MasterBlogBuilder.com


House Water Filters for pure and healthy drinking water
A recent survey revealed that 50% of American population is completely affected by the water borne diseases and its related problems. This increased worry has led to the boost in the production of water filters and its producing companies. With growing awareness now you can find array of house water filters floating in the market. These water filters can be used as house water filters for purification of drinking water. House water filters generally come in variety of designs, styles, model and colors. The striking feature is that they are commonly quoted at very inexpensive prices which are affordable by anyone. This has led to the popularity of house water filters as they carry the storage of gallons of water which can be used for drinking, cleansing, cooking and various other purposes. In the present situation you can find many compact water filters that can be attached on to the decanter to the latest and complex filter. It's just that there are various varieties of water filter catering your requirement and needs.
Apart from this there are a range of other house water filters which can be even placed at the top of the tap from instant clean drinking water. They are equipped with carbon block filters which not only restricts the entry of germs but also eradicate the impurities. But they fail in terms of impeding the smell which makes people little reluctant to go for this. This type of water filter's cartridge normally delivers 100 to 300 gallons of untainted water. But with changing times house water filters have seen various changes as now they have become more powerful and safe.
Presently house water filters are outfitted with very potent cartridge which not only restricts the germs but also purge the smell. With the changing time water filters too marked noticeable changes as now maximum house water filters are built by reverse osmosis system. This is the latest equipment which guarantees the comprehensive removal of germs and bacteria alongside the smell. Now house water filters are not only mounted for drinking purposes but also for bathing purpose. It has been seen that people have become more alert in regard to health. That's why they now prefer to take bath from filtered water in order to consolidate complete safety. So if you are health freak and want to live a healthy life then just install a house water filter.
For more details, please visit: http://www.showers-filter.com