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How to begin your kitchen re-design

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

kitchen remodeling

This guest blog post was written by Tracy Tesmer, founder of Tracy Tesmer Design • Build • Remodel • Repair, a Gainesville, GA kitchen remodeling company specializing in kitchen renovations. Tracy has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and hosts a weekly home improvement radio show on WDUN in North Georgia.

The hardest part is getting started – at least that may be the case when beginning a kitchen re-design project. However, when following these helpful and simple pointers, even the initial phases of such a project can be stress-free and will come together nicely.

Narrow it down

The pre-planning and planning phase of any remodeling project is the most important. Not only will you get all your ideas into one uniform plan or design, you’ll also save time and money in the long haul. So, on paper, write down your favorite ideas for your project – color scheme, types of fixtures and cabinets, appliances, etc. If you’re short on ideas, consult a remodeling expert or page through some home renovation books. Take a few weeks to get a good feel for all your ideas; then narrow down your list so it includes your favorites.

Goals and budget

Will the ideas and items on your short list help achieve the overall goal you have in mind for your revamped kitchen? If not, add, delete or change the list to fit your vision of your future kitchen. This is a time to remember how much space you have to work with. It’s easy to overestimate the amount of room you have. Don’t get caught in this trap; take precise measurements so you know exactly the area you’re working with. This also is where you should begin to seriously think about your budget. Are the items on your short list affordable to meet your budget? If they are not, are the items available in an off brand or more affordable model? They probably are but, if they happen not to be, you may have to break items down into essential and non-essential items in order to spare pain to your pocketbook.

Work schedule

Just as important as a money budget is a time budget. Be realistic – a full-scale kitchen re-design cannot be finished in a day. Make a realistic timeline of when the re-design project should begin and be completed. Fill in more detailed information between the start and end dates. For example, at what point on the timeline will countertops be installed? Or, if you choose to include an island in your new kitchen, when does it appear on the timeline? This timeline will be helpful when discussing your project with those remodelers and experts who will help re-design and bring your kitchen project to fruition.

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Essential elements of outdoor kitchen design

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

outdoor_kitchen

Outdoor kitchens are the newest trend in outdoor living and they can really make cooking fun. Who doesn’t love a barbecue?  A steak, brat or juicy burger is always best on the grill. Today’s outdoor kitchens come complete with so much more than simply a grill. And even the grills aren’t so simple anymore. As an outdoor kitchen designer and outdoor cooking hobbyist, these are the features I’ve learned that every outdoor kitchen must have to be a success.

The Grill – And not just any grill. I know you’re thinking this is nothing new, but the grill can make or break an outdoor kitchen. If you like to grill steak then you should make sure your grill has infrared or searing burners to help sear in the juices. If you like rotisserie chicken, make sure your grill comes with a built in rotisserie.

The Fridge – Yes, there are refrigerators for the outdoors. Enjoying the outdoors goes best with a cold drink in hand. If you’re in a climate that has cold winters, be sure you get a fridge that can run year round. This can be an increase in cost so if you don’t want to spend the extra money just make sure you remember to unplug your fridge when it gets cold outside.

The Sink – A sink can be very beneficial if you’re planning on doing much food prep outdoors. It can be very annoying running dishes inside to rinse them off. You should note that most cities treat an outdoor sink the same way they do an indoor one. This means you must have proper plumbing including drainage that meets city code.

Lighting – A good portion of outdoor cooking will be done after dark. Make sure your kitchen is well lit.

Electrical – Make sure you have a couple electrical outlets just in case you need to plug in that margarita mixer.

Location, Location, Location – I think this pretty much common sense, but you would be surprised. Make sure the location of your outdoor kitchen is close to the outdoor dining area or at least close to the back door of your house. You should also make sure you have plenty of room in your kitchen to move around; this includes counter top space and storage space as well. You can never have enough counter top or storage space. Make sure you have plenty of room to at least store dishes and utensils that only get used outdoors.

Shelter – Don’t let the weather determine when you can and can’t use your outdoor kitchen. You can block the sun or rain by installing a pergola or pavilion over your kitchen.

Flooring – There are a several options for the flooring of your kitchen. You will want to make sure whichever option you choose offers good drainage and a slip-free surface. A paver patio is the most common flooring option.

These tips should get you started, but there are many more things to consider. So before you jump in and build an outdoor kitchen make sure you’ve first given it a lot of thought. Building an outdoor kitchen can be similar to indoor kitchen remodeling, but outdoor kitchens are a little more complex. Do your research!

About the Author: This article was written by Mark Rhodus (Twitter @TwoBrosBrick) of Two Brothers Brick Paving in Columbus, OH and Kiser Construction in Knoxville, TN

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Posted in Fun Ideas, kitchen remodeling, remodeling

The Cheapest Renovations You Can Do To Your Home That Have The Biggest Impact

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
Cabinet hardware on display in a home store. F...

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When it comes to the value of your home, performing small renovations can have a big impact. There are several key areas that will make a big difference in the sales potential of the property. It will also ensure that the current inhabitants are living in comfort and can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere. The most important areas of the home that can be greatly impacted by a renovation are the kitchen and bathroom. It is not always necessary to spend a lot of cash on these renovations. Most can be accomplished for under $1,000 by the do-it-yourself homeowner. The renovations that can have the most impact need not be time-consuming or done by a professional.

Curb appeal home is another important factor in the value of the home. For those who wish to sell their home quickly, it is amazing what a difference an attractive car in the driveway can make to the perceived value of the home. Those on a budget can visit used car search engine websites that allow for the quick finding of a suitable vehicle. The kitchen of most homes receives a lot of traffic and is often the focal point of the home. This is where people gather together and prepare meals. An outdated and messy kitchen is very off-putting and can instantly ruin the look of the home. Fortunately, it is very easy and inexpensive to completely overhaul this much-used hub of the home.

Refinishing or re-facing the cabinet doors is something that will dramatically change the look of the kitchen. The cabinets are left in place and only the doors are changed. This can be accomplished by going to a hardware store and purchasing new doors, or simply stripping off the old paint and putting on a new coat. Another part of the kitchen that is often worn out from much use is the counter-tops. This will require a bit more work, but the talented DIY-er will be able to easily accomplish this task. The desired material for the surface is up to the homeowner and there are many styles to choose from. Changing the floor by either putting in a new style of linoleum or installing tiles can give a contemporary look to any kitchen.

Painting the walls a more attractive and modern color will add eye-appeal and make the atmosphere more inviting. Simple measures like putting attractive new appliances on the counters and changing wall-outlets and door knobs can create a new look for very little financial outlay. The next area of the home that should always be up-to-date is the bathroom. It is easy to change the vanity and sink. Many large hardware stores carry kits that can be quickly installed. The walls should be painted with a flattering color and accessories replaced with newer versions. Shower curtains can be replaced, as well as towels and soap dishes. Putting in new flooring will add a modern look. The bathtub can receive a new coating and may not need to be replaced. These seemingly small improvements will have a huge impact on the home.

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Posted in Countertop Overlay, Tips/Advice, remodeling

Unexpected Costs of Remodeling

Monday, November 7th, 2011

bridge fail

When planning for a home remodel, it is of absolute importance to have a few things on hand. The first and foremost is your budget. This depends on the value of your home, its size and the extent of remodeling that you have in mind. Often, home owners are indecisive about how far they wish to go with the repair work and end up paying much more than they can afford. The best way to counter these unnecessary costs is to consult and hire a qualified contractor. Make sure to verify his credentials and, once you’re satisfied with his reputation and handiwork, work with him on a developing a realistic budget. You must also be aware, however, of unexpected costs rearing their ugly heads during the remodel, and affecting your budget – in a bad way.

There are several roadblocks that you may come upon. One could be if you discover mold growing somewhere in your bathrooms or kitchen. This is especially applicable if you live in an area with high humidity since the presence of moisture promotes fungi growth. Although its presence is relatively harmless in small quantities (and can be curbed with an inexpensive solution of bleach and water), larger growth needs to be tackled by qualified professionals. This is because extensive mold can cause relatively serious allergic reactions and respiratory problems for those who live within close proximity.

Similarly, while replacing old floors, your contractor may find that the surface under the floor has weakened, again due to the presence of water. Leaking water pipes, faulty drainage or simple negligence by previous landlords could have contributed to damaged flooring. The cost of replacing the flooring depends on the size of the spoiled area. It is worth mentioning, if the cause is weakened drainage or water pipes, it becomes an absolutely necessary to replace them before they cause further damage to your house.

Stemming from the above issue, you may discover that your electrical wiring is defective. This does not only push your electricity bills upwards due to inefficient conduction of electricity, but it may be hazardous to your life – i.e. the risk of fire caused by short circuiting is very real. For repairing your wiring, consult a certified electrician and do not subcontract the work simply for the sake of grabbing lower rates. This is one area where cutting costs is not recommended.

Then again, you could be in for a wild ride if you have drywall installed in your house. Drywall is also susceptible to crumbling because of moisture content in the environment, as well as the chemicals used in the making of the drywall. Although not as damaging to the budget as many may expect it to be, it will only burn a hole in your pocket if these walls lie at crucial junctures and act as a foundation for your house.

With remodeling, given that you never know what you may find under the next floor tile, there is always a threat of surprise, and thus, additional costs. People who are best equipped to undertake extensive remodeling projects have a steady stream of income, adequate retirement savings, or a hidden stash for emergencies (equal to at least 3 months of living expenses).

Author Bio: E. Steadman writes for TotallyMoney, where you can shop for loans for bad credit, and manage all personal finance needs.

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Posted in Uncategorized, home improvement, kitchen remodeling, remodeling

Renovations That Move Homes

Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Kitchen

With a down market, recouping the money spent on a home can be difficult; however, knowing where to spend on renovations can give you the ability to not only move your home faster, but recoup any money spent on the home. For instance spending on a new roof won’t up the value of your home, since most buyers expect the roof to be in good shape. The key is focus on the things that are important to buyers without running up the price tag.

So what areas do you focus on?

Curb Appeal

Start with the outside; if most potential buyers don’t like how your home looks on the outside, it is highly unlikely they will take the time to venture indoors. According to BankRate.com, a good first impression can add anywhere from five to ten percent to the value of your home.

Prominent improvements can be:

  • Painting a faded home is a great start, but remember to match the colors with the home. Pea green may have been popular in the 1970s, but may have a negative effect on today’s homebuyers.
  • Cracked walkways and driveways should be repaired since they lead directly to your home and are seen by anyone walking up to it.
  • Landscaping can be a fun way of adding value. It gives you a chance to get out in your yard and create a beautiful arrangement of flowers, shrubbery, as well as outdoor furniture that can be taken to your new home.

Open Your Floor Plan

In the past decade, the trend has been large open spaces, as opposed to dark and cramped. Opening your floor plan is a huge value booster. Open floor plans usually are composed of combining your kitchen, living, and dining areas all in one. Removing a wall to provide an open area can causes even smaller houses to feel larger and open.

While this is a more costly renovation, it adds value to your home and entices younger families.

Bathrooms

The national average of recouped cost is more than 100 percent for bathrooms, which means new floors, fixtures, and lights really pay off. When it comes to flooring, buyers still prefer ceramic tiles since they handle water better than wood and linoleum. Ceramics can be expensive, so if your current tiles are in good shape, a solid cleaning or hiring a floor refinisher to recolor your tiles is a great option.

Kitchen Renovation

Perhaps the most important area when preparing your home to be sold is the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home and is the number one way to add value to your home. Updating your kitchen can be a fun process as well. Many buyers are drawn toward granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of cabinet space. A shiny new sink and faucets can be a plus as well.

While updating the kitchen can be expensive, the Reliable Remodeler says the average home remodel returns 80 to 100 percent of renovations.

Updating your home can be a chore, but sitting on your home waiting for it to be sold is even worse. Many home upgrades can be done through buying a few DIY books, while larger renovations can be done through hiring subcontractors. When it’s all said and done, an updated home not only sells faster, but can fetch a higher price than a competing home.

Matt Polsky is the Senior Content Manager for VA Mortgage Center.com, the nation’s leading provider of VA home loans. Connect with Matt on Twitter @mattpolsky

Photo thanks to Dru Bloomfield – At Home in Scottsdale under a creative commons license from Flickr.

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Posted in home improvement, remodeling

10 Ways to Cut Your Heating Bill in Half

Monday, October 17th, 2011

HotCold-house

Winter is coming soon. With the cold comes big jackets, sweaters and lots and lots of hot chocolate. There are also cold nights and wet feet. With all of this cold—people start to turn up the heat in their homes. When temperatures start to rise, so do heating bills. With the economy, spending extra money on a heating bill is simply not manageable for a lot of people. Here are 10 ways to cut on your heating bill this winter.

1. Find out what energy you use
In many areas, there are different types of energy that are used to heat homes. Check what is available to you. You might find that sometime you thought was expensive is a lot cheaper!

2. Find out the location of your thermostat
If your thermostat is somewhere where it gets extremely hot or cold in the winter, you will have to take that into consideration when adjusting it. You don’t want to adjust the temperature for just one room.

thermostat

3. Wear layered clothing
If you tend to get extremely cold, try wearing more clothes. During the winter months, it gets cold enough anyways, just bundle up

4. Use an automatic timer on your thermostat
This can help you save on costs at night. If you are bundled up at night, you can usually set the timer to go to lower temperatures at night.

5. Take a look at your windows
Make sure that your windows are sealed. If you are cold during the day time, try opening your curtains to let the sun through.

6. Seal off the house
Seal any little crack or hole in your home. It will save you a bunch of money because the heat will not escape from anywhere.

7. Upgrade the insulation
If you find that you are getting very cold—check the insulation of your house. If you live in an old house, you might find it more beneficial to get new insulation.

utah-home-insulation

8. Turn off the heat
If you are going to be gone for a long period of time, turn off the heat. However, if it is just a short time, leave it on. It will take more energy (and money) to heat up a house when you turn off the heat and then come home to a very cold home.

9. Have your furnace serviced
Having your furnace serviced before winter comes will save you money in the long run. Even if you are against it, there are many that wish that they serviced their furnace before winter. They would have saved lots of money.

10. Cut down on use of kitchen and bathroom fans
Using fans will only make the air colder. Use the fans if they are completely necessary. You don’t want to be getting rid of precious warm air.

If you are worried about your heating bills this winter, do not be! If you follow these 10 tips, you will be able to cut down on your costs and you will still be able to stay as toasty as you want. Instead of worrying about the heating bill, relax with your coziest blanket and curl up with a mug of hot chocolate.

About the Author
Neltje Ann Maynez is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them, helps them understand which online masters degree programs are right for them and which online schools they can choose from to reach their goals.

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Posted in home improvement

Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Friday, October 14th, 2011
Take a moment to consider your kitchen cabinets: think about how many times a day you open and close them with grimy hands, and how often you splash them with cooking grease as you are preparing meals. Every day your kitchen cabinets take more and more abuse and before long, they are going to start looking worn down. You may eventually need to replace your cabinets, but until then you can make them look as good as new with a fresh coat of paint.

Take a moment to consider your kitchen cabinets: think about how many times a day you open and close them with grimy hands, and how often you splash them with cooking grease as you are preparing meals. Every day your kitchen cabinets take more and more abuse and before long, they are going to start looking worn down. You may eventually need to replace your cabinets, but until then you can make them look as good as new with a fresh coat of paint.

Depending on the complexity of your project, your list of needed materials may vary, but a great place to start is with a paint tray, drop cloth, painter’s tape, rollers and brushes, stir sticks, and paint. It is of course possible to paint your cabinet doors while they are still attached to your cabinets, but to make things easier on yourself you will probably want to remove them before you begin and prepare a flat, clean surface where you can paint them and leave them to dry.

Next you’re going to want to thoroughly clean your cabinets with a sponge, mild soap, and warm water or a household cleaning solution. Remember to make sure the cabinets are well rinsed and dry before you begin painting. Inspect your cabinets for any scratches or nicks, and fill them using putty and a putty knife if necessary. You may also choose to lightly sand the area you will be painting to help the primer and paint adhere to the surface. As an alternative to sanding, you may instead apply an even coat of primer-sealer. To do this, simply use a disposable foam brush and begin in the center, following the wood’s grain as you move to the outside of your surface.

Now you are ready to begin painting. Use a nice brush to apply the paint (the better the brush the better the finish). One of the best ways to achieve a professionally finished look is to apply a few very thin coats. You may want to do one thick coat to get the process done faster, but you will actually use fewer brush strokes and have a shorter drying time if you apply multiple thin layers of paint. The end reult will also look much nicer and will be a lot more durable. Allow the paint to completely dry between coats. When the paint is dry and you are happy with the results, reattach your cabinet doors and enjoy!

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Posted in Cabinet Refacing, home improvement, remodeling

Using Granite in your Kitchen

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Modern kitchen design trends tend towards a more minimalist outlook, with muted, natural palettes that allow the designer to use functional appliances as accent pieces. Granite is ideal because it can be quickly and easily laid down as a countertop, or on the wall. The fact that granite is relatively easy to manipulate means that you can create large, slab-based designs, traditional tiles, or unusual inlay designs in your kitchen.

Modern kitchen design trends tend towards a more minimalist outlook, with muted, natural palettes that allow the designer to use functional appliances as accent pieces. Granite is ideal because it can be quickly and easily laid down as a countertop, or on the wall. The fact that granite is relatively easy to manipulate means that you can create large, slab-based designs, traditional tiles, or unusual inlay designs in your kitchen.

Your kitchen is the hub of your home. How often do you find yourself on the phone to your best friend with your kids at your feet while you cook up a storm? This bastion of homeliness and comfort is a very personal space, and you need it to reflect your diverse personality while still maintaining its functionality. Traditionally, homemakers would choose kitchen furnishings and finishes that were made to withstand the harsh hygiene demands of the kitchen, and as a result, your choices were limited to wood, linoleum, or marble. But nowadays, design conscious home owners are turning to granite as a stylish solution to their kitchen needs.

Unlike marble which can seem cold and elitist, granite is a warm, versatile material that reveals hidden depths of colour, texture and warmth throughout your home. It is great in the kitchen because it is easy to clean, sturdy and solid, but with the added design benefit that it comes in a range of colours and styles that will accentuate this central room.

Modern kitchen design trends tend towards a more minimalist outlook, with muted, natural palettes that allow the designer to use functional appliances as accent pieces. Granite is ideal because it can be quickly and easily laid down as a countertop, or on the wall. The fact that granite is relatively easy to manipulate means that you can create large, slab-based designs, traditional tiles, or unusual inlay designs in your kitchen. The smoky hues, which vary from black to grey and purple and blue, are an ideal backdrop on which you can base your whole kitchen layout.

With many designers and home owners alike becoming drawn to a more naturalistic, uncomplicated feel, granite is becoming the material of choice in kitchens, particularly for countertops. The sturdy material is durable enough to handle all of the punishment that it inevitably receives in the kitchen, and in many cases people even feel comfortable using the granite countertop to roll dough, cut meat and prepare food. The hard, warm, earthy feel of the stone is calming and solid, and with the ever-increasing interest in the material within the design world, the price of this wonderful material is becoming more and more suited to the average family’s budget.

Granite is a great choice for the kitchen – stylish, homely, comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. Whatever your kitchen preferences, consider granite as a very real contender for sprucing up the most important room in your home.

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Posted in home improvement, kitchen remodeling

Replacing vs. Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

tt-001This guest blog post was written by Tracy Tesmer, founder of Tracy Tesmer Design • Build • Remodel • Repair, a Gainesville, GA residential remodeling company specializing in kitchen remodeling. Tracy has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and hosts a weekly home improvement radio show in WDUN in north Georgia.

When it comes time to remodel your kitchen, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with decisions, questions and stress. With many things to consider, such as floors, appliances and counters, cabinets can be one of the most difficult, and expensive, decisions you will make about your kitchen. Study the cabinets you already have to see if they can be integrated into your new design. In most instances, you will be given the choice of replacing or refinishing your cabinets. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to replacing and refinishing cabinets. Make sure you understand them both before you make the final decision.

Replacing:

  • If one of the goals of your remodeling is to add extra storage space, replacing your cabinets is likely the best option.
  • If the wood, frames or joints are bad, replacing cabinets will be able to fix these issues.
  • Replacing cabinets is time consuming because it requires a demolition of the current cabinets. When you go to choose cabinets you will be able to choose between three different types:
  1. Stock cabinets - These are mass produced but have a wide variety of options.
  2. Semi-custom cabinets - The cabinets are pre-made but you can help choose moldings, trims, finishes, etc. These are typically more expensive than stock cabinets.
  3. Custom cabinets - These are specifically made for your wishes and style choice. This the most expensive form of cabinets. You can create just about anything you dream up, with any type of finish, design or material.
  • Replacing cabinets allow you full control of the design and look you want for your cabinets.
  • A disadvantage may be that you will be without cabinets throughout the replacing process.

Refinishing:

  • If you currently like the style and/or layout of the cabinets you have, this may be the best alternative because you can change up the look of your cabinets without having to replace them completely.
  • Refinishing your cabinets is a less expensive, more economical alternative to changing things up. You will not have full control or as much flexibility when refinishing cabinets as you will with replacing them.

Determining Factors:

  • Budget - If you have a modest budget, cabinet replacement may not be an option. However, if you are willing to spend a few extra dollars on sprucing up your kitchen, replacing cabinets can certainly allow room for more creativity and personalization. Remember that out of all line items in a total kitchen remodel, cabinets typically take up the largest percentage of your budget.
  • Needs - This will depend on whether you need more storage space. If you need more space and want to build them up vertically, then simply refinishing the cabinets will not add this. Replacing cabinets can add more storage and allow for a different kitchen workflow.
  • Time - Time constraints will definitely help make a decision for this process. Full kitchen overhauls typically involve several weeks or months of work. You will need to make other accommodations for storing kitchen supplies while it is being remodeled.

No matter which form of cabinet refinishing you choose to use, you will be able to make it unique and your own. Whether you choose a simple DIY re-paint, polish and hardware change, a more complex professional refinishing, or a complete demolition and re-do, you will finish the process with a revitalized kitchen!

Granite Transformations Cabinets

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Posted in Cabinet Refacing, home improvement

Springing into Cleanup Mode

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Part II of our Spring Cleaning Series

Regardless of your daily, weekly or even monthly cleaning habits, when spring rolls around it’s time to give the house a good once over. Dedicate an upcoming weekend to banishing dust, dirt and grime from your home to ensure you’ll start with a clean slate for the warm summer months. Beyond basic vacuuming and wiping down sticky surfaces, there are lots of things that need to be done around the house to make sure your home is a clean and healthy family environment.

It's after March 21! Get to cleaning!

It's after March 21! Get to cleaning!

Tackle each space listed below and your house will be ready for entertaining in no time. If the thought of so much cleaning makes your eyes start to glaze over, pick a room or two each week and slowly work your way around the house over the course of a month.

Kitchen: Take this annual opportunity to dust refrigerator coils at the bottom of the unit using a vacuum attachment or coil brush. Reseal grout lines on floors, walls and countertop tiles with a penetrating grout sealer. Defrost the freezer and clean it thoroughly with a baking soda solution.
(more…)

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Posted in Benefits, Cleaning, Fun Ideas, Tips/Advice

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