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	<title>Home &#038; Garden Mag</title>
	<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com</link>
	<description>Edit this line from your Admin Options page</description>
	<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:09:13 +0000</pubDate>
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	<language>en</language>
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		<title>Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!</title>
		<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/interior-design/contemporary-floor-lamps-add-functional-modern-lighting-3788/</link>
		<comments>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/interior-design/contemporary-floor-lamps-add-functional-modern-lighting-3788/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Interior Design</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Bookmark to: 
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Social Bookmarks BEGIN --><div class="social_bookmark"><em>Bookmark to:</em> <a class="social_img" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,height=600,width=750,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/interior-design/contemporary-floor-lamps-add-functional-modern-lighting-3788/title=Contemporary+Floor+Lamps+-+Add+Functional+Modern+Lighting%21" title="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to Del.icio.us"><img src="http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/wp-content/plugins/social_bookmarks/delicious.png" border="0" title="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to Del.icio.us" alt="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to Del.icio.us" /></a><a class="social_img" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,height=600,width=750,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" href="http://digg.com/submit?phase=2url=http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/interior-design/contemporary-floor-lamps-add-functional-modern-lighting-3788/title=Contemporary+Floor+Lamps+-+Add+Functional+Modern+Lighting%21" title="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to digg"><img src="http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/wp-content/plugins/social_bookmarks/digg.png" border="0" title="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to digg" alt="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to digg" /></a><a class="social_img" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,height=600,width=750,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" href="http://www.technorati.com/faves?add=http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/interior-design/contemporary-floor-lamps-add-functional-modern-lighting-3788/" title="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to Technorati"><img src="http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/wp-content/plugins/social_bookmarks/technorati.png" border="0" title="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to Technorati" alt="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to Technorati" /></a><a class="social_img" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,height=600,width=750,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no'); return false;" href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/refer.php?url=http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/interior-design/contemporary-floor-lamps-add-functional-modern-lighting-3788/title=Contemporary+Floor+Lamps+-+Add+Functional+Modern+Lighting%21" title="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to Stumble Upon"><img src="http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/wp-content/plugins/social_bookmarks/stumbleupon.png" border="0" title="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to Stumble Upon" alt="Add 'Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!' to Stumble Upon" /></a></div>
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		<title>The Meanings Behind the Colors of Roses</title>
		<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/landscape-gardening/The-Meanings-Behind-the-Colors-of-Roses-3787/</link>
		<comments>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/landscape-gardening/The-Meanings-Behind-the-Colors-of-Roses-3787/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Landscape &amp; Gardening</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Roses are a sign of love and friendship and by giving someone a rose you are telling them how truly special they are. There are a number of colors of roses available and each one represents a different meaning to the receiver. If you are looking to purchase roses for that special someone, but aren&#8217;t [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Roses are a sign of love and friendship and by giving someone a rose you are telling them how truly special they are. There are a number of colors of roses available and each one represents a different meaning to the receiver. If you are looking to purchase roses for that special someone, but aren&#8217;t quite sure which color would best suit your relationship, keep reading to find out what each color represents.</p>
<p>Red ? Red roses are a sign of love, beauty, courage and respect. This color represents romantic, sincere and passionate love. If you want to show your loved one that they are the love of your life, red roses are the ones to choose. Giving a single red rose to someone is a simple way to say &quot;I love you&quot;.</p>
<p>White ? White roses are a sign of purity, innocence, silence and youthfulness. They are given to individuals who are shy about love and are used to tell the person how special they are. White roses can also be used in weddings as an indication of new love which is just beginning.</p>
<p>Pink ? Pink roses are a sign of appreciation and are often given as a thank you. Pink flowers also represent happiness and admiration and are given to someone you love whether it be a significant other or a best friend.</p>
<p>Yellow ? Yellow roses are a sign of friendship, happiness, joy and promise. Yellow roses are often given to show happiness for loved ones who are returning from a long trip or leave of absence.</p>
<p>Orange ? Orange roses signify desire and enthusiasm. They can be given at a graduation or a commencement to celebrate the ending and beginning of two different phases in life.</p>
<p>Lavender/Purple ? Lavender or purple roses are a sign of love at first sight. If you just meet someone and have fallen head over heals for them, show them how you feel by giving them lavender roses.</p>
<p>Regardless of the color of roses, they represent love and friendship among many other wonderful things. Roses can be planted in your garden or kept in vases throughout your home. If you are growing roses in your garden follow this gardening tip to ensure you receive the best results possible:</p>
<p>Pruning Your Roses ? Using pruning shears, trim your roses around the edges and remove any dead leaves from the plant. Cut out any dead wood, twigs or stems which are cross-growing over one another. Pruning should be done twice a year (once in the spring and once in the fall) to ensure your roses are kept in top condition.</p>
<p>Where you decide to plant your roses and the kind you choose will affect the overall appearance of your garden. Roses are quite possibly the most popular flower to show love and happiness and anyone who receives a rose for any reason should consider themselves a very lucky person.</p>
<p>Colin Smith is a freelance write for <a target="_new" href="http://www.gardenequipment101.com">http://www.gardenequipment101.com</a> ? a site that features information about <a target="_new" href="http://www.gardenequipment101.com/ponds/">garden ponds</a>, <a target="_new" href="http://www.gardenequipment101.com/lawn-mowers/toro-lawn-mowers.aspx">Toro lawn mowers</a>, barbecue pits and more.
</p>
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		<title>Think You Cant Get a Mortgage?</title>
		<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/mortgage-refinance/Think-You-Cant-Get-a-Mortgage-3786/</link>
		<comments>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/mortgage-refinance/Think-You-Cant-Get-a-Mortgage-3786/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage Refinance</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[You&#8217;ve finally found that dream home that you have always been searching for, but you are afraid to apply for a mortgage because you have bad credit or less than perfect credit.
Before you give up entirely, there are many mortgage programs that are geared towards people just like you. Here&#8217;s a short guide to finding [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You&#8217;ve finally found that dream home that you have always been searching for, but you are afraid to apply for a mortgage because you have bad credit or less than perfect credit.</p>
<p>Before you give up entirely, there are many mortgage programs that are geared towards people just like you. Here&#8217;s a short guide to finding the best one.</p>
<p>The first step in getting a home loan is to find out what your actual credit score is. This will help to protect you against lenders taking advantage of you because of your poor score. Some companies may try to charge a higher interest rate than the applicant&#8217;s score actually warrants, so being prepared is very important. There are many services to help you find and manage your score, so take advantage of them.</p>
<p>Once you know your score, you can then begin to look around for the best mortgage program. Generally speaking, lending agencies categorize credit scores based upon a ranking system. The A- category is for those with the best credit; the D-category is for those with the worst credit history. But even if you fall into the last group, you should be able to find a mortgage scheme.</p>
<p>There are companies that will work with you, regardless of whether you have tax liens, judgements, charge-offs or collections. Many of these companies will probably assign you a higher interest rate than those with good credit, and perhaps even require you to put down a larger deposit on your home. On average, those with poor credit histories are only able to finance approximately 80% of the total asking price, so you will be required to put down the difference.</p>
<p>Even if you have a history of bad credit, or county court judgements levied against you, you should find a mortgage lender who will be sympathetic towards your individual situation.</p>
<p>Mark Lambie is the founder of The Loan House a website that allows consumers to quickly and easily get <a target="_new" href="http://www.the-loan-house.com">mortgage refinance</a> mortgage information.
</p>
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		<title>Finding The Right Window Treatment In Los Angeles And Chicago</title>
		<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/home-improvement/Finding-The-Right-Window-Treatment-In-Los-Angeles-And-Chicago-3785/</link>
		<comments>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/home-improvement/Finding-The-Right-Window-Treatment-In-Los-Angeles-And-Chicago-3785/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Home Improvement</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Finding The Right Window Treatment In Los Angeles And Chicago
&#160;by: Sarah Peters
Some of the most unique and individual décor consultants can be found in smaller centers, but for a truly competitive field that will supply window treatments for your home, you&#8217;re looking at the larger cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. 
Larger dealers have more [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Finding The Right Window Treatment In Los Angeles And Chicago</b><br />
&nbsp;by: <b>Sarah Peters</b></p>
<p>Some of the most unique and individual décor consultants can be found in smaller centers, but for a truly competitive field that will supply window treatments for your home, you&#8217;re looking at the larger cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. </p>
<p>Larger dealers have more contacts, often further afield both in distance, and in tastes, so that they can lay their hands on virtually any accessory, material, or extras that you need to create the right window treatment. </p>
<p>Of course, even large centers will have to consider not just the variations in the decorative aspect, but also in their functionality. A window treatment that works well in Los Angeles, might not be suited to the weather extremes of Chicago. Where one can use sheers year round, the other may require a good quality lined drape to not only offer privacy, but to keep out winter cold that can seep into a room from the glass. </p>
<p>Wherever you live, window treatments are going to be a major component of your home décor, and you want it to turn out just the way you imagined. Sometimes it means doing all the work yourself, to get every detail as you envisioned it, and occasionally it may mean ordering drapes or extras from consultants who design window treatments in places like Los Angeles or Chicago. </p>
<p>Whether your window treatment is a stand alone, or cooperative effort, the results will be exactly what you want, and in the end, that&#8217;s what really matters.</p>
<p>sarah_article@yahoo.com</a></p>
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		<title>Sofa Slipcovers - Give Your Home An Instant Makeover!</title>
		<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/home-improvement/Sofa-Slipcovers-Give-Your-Home-An-Instant-Makeover-3784/</link>
		<comments>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/home-improvement/Sofa-Slipcovers-Give-Your-Home-An-Instant-Makeover-3784/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Home Improvement</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Sofa Slipcovers - Give Your Home An Instant Makeover!
&#160;by: Caroline Smith
Sofa slipcovers are designed to be easy to fit over your existing upholstery, to give your furniture a fresh new look and protect the fabric underneath.  If your favorite sofa is looking a bit tired or outdated, but is generally in good condition, you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Sofa Slipcovers - Give Your Home An Instant Makeover!</b><br />
&nbsp;by: <b>Caroline Smith</b></p>
<p>Sofa slipcovers are designed to be easy to fit over your existing upholstery, to give your furniture a fresh new look and protect the fabric underneath.  If your favorite sofa is looking a bit tired or outdated, but is generally in good condition, you could give it a new lease of life simply by adding some stylish sofa covers.  Furniture slipcovers are a quick and affordable alternative to re-upholstery or buying a new suite.  A well made sofa slipcover can be bought for under $200.  If you want to improve the appearance of your sofas or chairs, without a lot of inconvenience or expense, slip covers could be the answer.</p>
<p>Ready made slipcovers for sofas are large sheets of fabric made to cover the whole sofa and are held in place with elastic or ties.  Many people like to have several sets of these relatively cheap slipcovers, so they can change the look and feel of their entire room whenever they like.   Most sofa slip covers are made from durable fabrics such as, stretch cotton or twill, that can easily be washed clean in the machine, so there&#8217;s no need to worry about them getting dirty.  And there are so many different slipcover patterns to choose from, you&#8217;re sure to find a style that fits in with your decor and color scheme.</p>
<p>For a more fitted look, custom slipcovers are a slightly more expensive option.  Custom made or fitted slipcovers are specially cut to fit your furniture&#8217;s exact measurements, and you can completely change the style of your sofa if you wish.  For example, you could choose to hide the legs with a pleated skirt.  Custom fit covers are often a good choice if you&#8217;re looking for sectional slipcovers.  There are lots of online stores selling top quality furniture covers, such as Surefit slipcovers, in a huge range of designs at great prices.</p>
<p>And it&#8217;s not just sofas - all kinds of seats can be slipcovered.  The choice includes ottoman, loveseat, recliner and dining chair slipcovers.  With slipcovers you can smarten up all your favorite chairs in a matter of minutes!</p>
<table width=100% cellpadding=8 cellspacing=0 border=0 bgcolor=#dddddd>
<p><b>About The Author</b></p>
<p>Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer and regular contributor to <a href="http://www.a1-slipcovers.com" target=new>http://www.a1-slipcovers.com</a> - An online resource to help you find the very best sofa slipcovers, furniture slipcovers and fitted slipcovers. Shop online and save!</p>
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		<title>Sedona Arizona Real Estate is Red Hot</title>
		<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/home-improvement/Sedona-Arizona-Real-Estate-is-Red-Hot-3783/</link>
		<comments>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/home-improvement/Sedona-Arizona-Real-Estate-is-Red-Hot-3783/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Home Improvement</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sedona Arizona Real Estate is Red Hot
&#160;by: John R. Barker
The Sedona, Arizona real estate market is a small market but full of beautiful, luxury houses
Being a first time visitor in Sedona, Arizona is quite a glorious experience as the beautiful sites and mild weather of Sedona can easily make a strong impression on everyone who [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Sedona Arizona Real Estate is Red Hot</b><br />
&nbsp;by: <b>John R. Barker</b></p>
<p>The Sedona, Arizona real estate market is a small market but full of beautiful, luxury houses</p>
<p>Being a first time visitor in Sedona, Arizona is quite a glorious experience as the beautiful sites and mild weather of Sedona can easily make a strong impression on everyone who has never visited Sedona before. In time, many of these visitors will want to settle their primary residence here or maybe they will think to buy a beautiful second home for their families here in Sedona. </p>
<p>Houses are available here for every need and even for the most luxurious tastes. Sedona real estate market is an excellent market for investments; no matter if you invest in a single family home, in a rental or retirement property, or in a commercial area, you will be making a good investment.</p>
<p>If you think of buying a luxury house here in Sedona, Arizona all you have to do is search for a Sedona real estate broker that will show you all he has available on his listing at a certain moment. </p>
<p>If you like a particular house don&#8217;t bargain too much as you might loose it as the number of houses available for sale is small. Also, you should know that not the looks of the house will set its price but the land it is sitting on; if a house sits on a beautiful lot with a breathtaking view the price of the house will automatically be higher even if the house is average.</p>
<p>So, before deciding what you want to buy in Sedona, check out any listing on your broker&#8217;s portfolio in order to be sure you&#8217;re not missing a perfect lot of Sedona land. Even though Sedona real estate market is small it can sometimes hide few beautiful surprises for the investors.</p>
<table width=100% cellpadding=8 cellspacing=0 border=0 bgcolor=#dddddd>
<p><b>About The Author</b></p>
<p>John R. Barker</p>
<p>Turn to <a href="http://Real-Estate-in-Sedona.com" target=new>Real-Estate-in-Sedona.com</a> for the latest information regarding Sedona, Arizona Real Estate.</p>
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		<title>5 Pieces of Equipment Gardeners Cant Live Without</title>
		<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/landscape-gardening/5-Pieces-of-Equipment-Gardeners-Cant-Live-Without-3782/</link>
		<comments>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/landscape-gardening/5-Pieces-of-Equipment-Gardeners-Cant-Live-Without-3782/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Landscape &amp; Gardening</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a hobby, talent or both and sometimes it&#8217;s just luck. Gardening is not as easy as it looks and involves dedication, time and consistency and many trials and errors. There are many aspects to maintaining a healthy garden, but some aspects are more important than others. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a hobby, talent or both and sometimes it&#8217;s just luck. Gardening is not as easy as it looks and involves dedication, time and consistency and many trials and errors. There are many aspects to maintaining a healthy garden, but some aspects are more important than others. An individual who likes to garden can have the knowledge to produce the best garden in the world, but without the right equipment and materials it just wouldn&#8217;t be possible.</p>
<p>Below you will find a list of the top 5 pieces of equipment which gardeners simply cannot live without:</p>
<p>1. Trowel ? A trowel is a shovel-like piece of equipment which is used to dig up dirt and set small plants. There are many styles to choose from and type of handle on your trowel will determine how well it works. Easy grip, non-slide and non-slip grips are the best form of handle to choose. These will be easier to use and will require less work than any other form of trowel. A trowel with no grip will be difficult to use and could end up ruining your garden. Try one out in your hand first to ensure it feels comfortable. There&#8217;s nothing like having your hand cramp or the trowel slip while using it to dig in a beautiful, new plant.</p>
<p>2. Pitchfork ? A pitchfork is a gardening tool which has 2-6 prongs and a long handle. The sizes of pitchforks vary, depending on what they are being used for. The space between each prong varies as well. Pitchforks are used to separate, lift and throw loose pieces of material such as dirt and leaves.</p>
<p>3. Spade ? A gardening spade has a long, thick handle and a heavy flat blade. This tool is used to dig up and move pieces of dirt from one place to another. It can also be used to pack down dirt once the flower has been planted.</p>
<p>4. Pruning Shears ? Pruning shears are tools which have a long handles and blades. This type of gardening equipment is used to allow gardeners to precisely prune rose bushes and other plants and unruly vines, etc. It can also be used to cut the grass at the edges of walkways and garden beds, in those hard to reach places. It is also used to trim the edges and remove dead leaves or wood on flowers. There is no other piece of gardening equipment which can do the same job as pruning shears. Without the use of this piece of equipment, your garden will end up looking messy and disorganized. Always, always, always invest in good quality pruning shears. Good ones have a lifetime guarantee and low-end ones will make shrapnel of your heritage rose.</p>
<p>5. Wheelbarrow ? A wheelbarrow is one of the larger pieces of garden equipment. It is a cart with a handle and at least one wheel which is designed for easy transportation of materials from one place to another. Purchasing a wheelbarrow will save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you are off to the compost heap, and will make for a pleasant gardening experience. Another option is the 4-wheeled gardening cart.</p>
<p>There are many pieces of gardening equipment which will make this hobby easier and more efficient, however the ones listed above are recognized as the most important. These pieces of equipment will likely last a very long time.</p>
<p>Colin Smith is a freelance write for <a target="_new" href="http://www.gardenequipment101.com">http://www.gardenequipment101.com</a> ? a site that features information about <a target="_new" href="http://www.gardenequipment101.com/playground/">playground equipment</a>, swing sets, <a target="_new" href="http://www.gardenequipment101.com/lawn-mowers/riding-lawn-mowers.aspx">riding lawn mowers</a> and more.
</p>
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		<title>Should You Get an Interest-only Home Mortgage?</title>
		<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/mortgage-refinance/Should-You-Get-an-Interestonly-Home-Mortgage-3781/</link>
		<comments>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/mortgage-refinance/Should-You-Get-an-Interestonly-Home-Mortgage-3781/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage Refinance</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Before you consider taking out an interest-only mortgage, you should first understand what they are. Unlike traditional, fixed-rate mortgages, interest-only mortgages allows the borrower to initially pay the interest on the principal for a short period of time, rather than making payments on both the principal and the interest. This is how it works: say, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Before you consider taking out an interest-only mortgage, you should first understand what they are. Unlike traditional, fixed-rate mortgages, interest-only mortgages allows the borrower to initially pay the interest on the principal for a short period of time, rather than making payments on both the principal and the interest. This is how it works: say, for example, you&#8217;ve taken out a mortgage for $100,00.00, which would require a monthly payment of around $1,000.00. However, with an interest-only mortgage, the same payment would only amount to around $695.00. You could use the extra money to pay existing debts, like credit cards or student loans, or perhaps invest it.</p>
<p>The concept of an interest-only home loan is not a new one. A descendant of the jumbo market, these types of mortgages were initially geared towards those who intended to utilise the excess cash for other types of investments. This is an ideal option for the market-savvy investor, as it frees up some income for other projects. However, this type of mortgage has now entered the mainstream market, and is available to most home buyers.</p>
<p>There are many benefits associated with taking out interest-only loans. They allow younger buyers to take advantage of a developing real-estate market, giving them the opportunity to afford a slightly higher priced home.</p>
<p>Before taking out an interest-only mortgage, there are few things that you must take into consideration. While the thought of only having to pay for interest for the next few years may seem very tempting, you must remember that when the interest-free grace period is over, you will have higher payments than you would have with a traditional mortgage. Many young couples do not account for this, assuming that they will be earning more money in the future, not anticipating that they may face financial hardships down the road, thus putting their home at risk.</p>
<p>While there are many advantages to taking out an interest-free mortgage, it is important to remember that the grace period will not last forever and that the monthly payments will eventually go up. As long as you make financial plans for the future, taking advantage of an interest-only mortgage could allow you to increase your financial well-being, bringing you peace of mind.</p>
<p>Mark Lambie is the founder of The Loan House a website that allows consumers to quickly and easily get <a target="_new" href="http://www.the-loan-house.com">online mortgage quotes</a> and mortgage information.
</p>
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		<title>Know How to Find a Building Contractor? I do!</title>
		<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/home-improvement/Know-How-to-Find-a-Building-Contractor-I-do-3780/</link>
		<comments>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/home-improvement/Know-How-to-Find-a-Building-Contractor-I-do-3780/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Home Improvement</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Know How to Find a Building Contractor? I do!
&#160;by: Meredith Merchan
My husband and I have an acre and a half behind our home and really wanted to do something special on part of it.  We also just recently decided to renew our wedding vows and thought what better place to do it, than our [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Know How to Find a Building Contractor? I do!</b><br />
&nbsp;by: <b>Meredith Merchan</b></p>
<p>My husband and I have an acre and a half behind our home and really wanted to do something special on part of it.  We also just recently decided to renew our wedding vows and thought what better place to do it, than our very own home.  Our dilemma began here because we did not have any ideas about what exactly we wanted.  So over dinner one night we decided to talk about what we both envisioned for our wedding day, and what our budget would look like.  Since we had been saving for this big event we were pleased with the amount we thought we could spend.  So the next step was to look through some magazines, and watch a few remodeling shows on television for ideas.</p>
<p>It took us about a week and a half to get our ideas on paper and map out what we thought would function affectively for our family and still look appealing for future gatherings and events.  We decided on a nice decorative gazebo with a beautifully lit pathway to its entrance.  We also thought that we would put in decking section off to the side to provide for a dance floor, or future bar-be-que events at our home.  The landscaping and gardens we decided we could handle ourselves with some hard work and planning, but the construction projects we knew better than to think we could tackle it.  So we decided to look for a local general contractor that could meet our budget, and who shared our vision. </p>
<p>We wanted to be sure that we found the right contractor for the job, so we asked around to other people who had used him.  We were glad we did, because we were able to even visit some sites where he had personally constructed other yard structures and other gazebos.  This helped in the process to put our minds at ease using this particular contractor and his company.</p>
<p>We were also able to get a good idea of the material costs by calling around to local retail stores and asking a few questions.  Then we spoke with this contractor and compared his quote with theirs.  So far he seemed to be giving a fair price quote.  One thing we really liked about this particular contractor was that he provided us a written quote and a list of the local retail stores that he tends to use or had used in the past.  Not only was this helpful to compare costs, but also gave us a chance to ask others their opinion of this contractor.  </p>
<p>Another aspect we appreciated about this contractor was that he provided a copy of his license and expiration dates.  Over all, we were so pleased with this contractor because he provided a written contract that was easy to read, provided his name, address, phone number, license number, project description in detail, starting and completion dates, materials list, and a statement that said he was responsible for permits and inspections.  He also provided us a warranty of workmanship and his guarantee.  At the end of the project the contractor also provided a team that came out and cleaned-up all the mess and swept up any extra debris. </p>
<p>In the end, the total price was very accurate and the payment schedule ran smoothly.  We were more than pleased with the working conditions during the building of the project and they always kept the site safe and as clean as possible.  What more could a family ask for?  Everything was completed on schedule and the wedding was on time too!  Our guests had a wonderful time and they were so impressed with the gazebo and deck that many of our friends and family are considering using the same contractor to do some work in their yards too!</p>
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<p><b>About The Author</b></p>
<p>Meredith Merchan is a freelance writer and consumer advocate for the general contractor and building contractor sector, and answers visitor questions and concerns at <a href="http://www.findacontractor.org" target=new>http://www.findacontractor.org</a>.</p>
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		<title>A Review of Popular Wood Stove Manufacturers</title>
		<link>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/interior-design/A-Review-of-Popular-Wood-Stove-Manufacturers-3779/</link>
		<comments>http://www.homeandgarden-mag.com/interior-design/A-Review-of-Popular-Wood-Stove-Manufacturers-3779/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Interior Design</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[There are several world renowned wood stove manufacturers that make a wide range of quality products. Some companies specialize in making traditional wood stoves while other make cutting edge stoves with new and technologically advanced features. Some major wood stove manufacturers are Country Flame, Morso, and Krog Iversen.
Country Flame has been making wood stoves since [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are several world renowned wood stove manufacturers that make a wide range of quality products. Some companies specialize in making traditional wood stoves while other make cutting edge stoves with new and technologically advanced features. Some major wood stove manufacturers are Country Flame, Morso, and Krog Iversen.</p>
<p>Country Flame has been making wood stoves since 1978. This Missouri based company makes a wide range of products including wood stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, and fireplace inserts. Country Flame introduced their wood stove as an economical option heating option for people who were hit hard by the recession. Now, Country Flame is on the cutting edge of wood stove manufacturers, winning the prestigious Vesta award in 2002 at the National HPBA Show.</p>
<p>The Danish company Morso has been a major wood stove manufacturer since 1853. Morso started off making fine cast iron wood stoves for people all over the world, and continue that tradition to day. Now, not only do Morso make some of the best traditional cast iron wood stoves on the market, they are also innovators, constantly coming up with new and original designs to appeal to buyers with a more modern taste. Some new designs look almost like artistically designed television sets. These models feature sleek, shiny iron construction and use the most advanced technology to distribute their warmth.</p>
<p>Another Danish company called Krog Iversen also makes world-class wood stoves. Krog Iversen was started in 1978 during the worldwide oil crisis. Founder Henning Krog Iversen realized that there was a great demand for heating systems that used fuels other than oil. He thought that traditional wood stoves would provide a good alternative to other expensive and inefficient heating systems. His idea paid off, and Krog Iversen is now a respected wood stove manufacturer, exporting its products to countries around the world.</p>
<p>There are countless other wood stove manufacturers around the world. With wood stoves providing economical and efficient heating, it is likely that demand will continue to increase, making room in the market for even more wood stove manufacturers.</p>
<p><a target="_new" href="http://www.e-woodstoves.com">Wood Stoves Info</a> provides detailed information about outdoor and antique wood stoves, wood-pellet stoves, and wood cook stoves, as well as wood stove inserts, installation, and manufacturers. Wood Stoves Info is affiliated with <a target="_new" href="http://www.growthink.com">Business Plans by Growthink</a>.
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