All posts by Jonathan Clark

Jon Clark is an Internet Marketing Consultant, Entrepreneur and current editor of the Facebook Marketing Blog. Jon loves coffee, sports and NY. You can follow him on Twitter @jonleeclark or circle him on Google+.
Uncategorized

What To Do If You Have Bed Bugs


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Bed bug infestations are stressful. Waking up to find dozens of bites all over your body is no way to have to start your day, and it takes much more than your grocery store insecticide to get rid of these tiny pests. If you suspect bed bug activity in your home, you need to act quickly, carefully, and thoroughly.

How do I Know I Have Bed Bugs?

The first step to a bug-free home is to confirm that you do have bed bugs. In most cases, the first signs are the bites — itchy red welts, usually in a trail along your arms, underarms, or shoulders. While some people experience itching and burning after being bitten, others may feel nothing at all. While these marks are certainly alarming, you have to be sure that they really are bed bug bites; they may be a skin reaction of some sort, or bites from another critter, like a spider or mosquito.

To be absolutely sure that you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, carefully inspect the seams of your mattress, the edges of your box spring and bed frame, and inside small nooks and crevices of your bedroom. If a credit card can fit in a slot, a bed bug can too. While the odds of seeing live bed bugs crawling around during the day are slim (as they are most active while you’re asleep), you may find traces of their activity:

  • Feces are usually thin black spots or streaks, composed of digested blood that was excreted by the bedbugs as they returned to their hideout. To confirm that the mark is from a bed bug, try dabbing it with a wet paper towel; it should leave a red smudge.
  • Blood stains are small red spots, often left in trails. They are usually from bed bugs spitting up some of the blood that they had been drinking, or from them being crushed by people rolling over in their sleep.
  • You may also find molted skins. There are 5 stages of development during a bed bug’s maturity. During each stage, a bed bug will shed their skin to make room for a larger skin, like a snake. The skins will be transparent with a gold or amber tint. Since the skin is part of the bed bug’s exoskeleton, it will retain the shape and size of the bug, including its legs and joints.

Bed Bug Lifecycle

The bed bugs themselves are reddish-brown and oval-shaped. They have six legs, small front wings, and no rear wings (bed bugs have lost their ability to fly through evolution, so their wings have no function anymore). They’re very small, usually only a few millimeters long, and are decorated with dark bands. If a bed bug has recently fed on its host, a deep red tint will show through its transparent skin.

Once you’ve confirmed that you do have bed bugs in your home, you’ll want to act quickly to kill the bugs and their eggs, and to prevent future infestations from occurring.

MM Novato is a blogger at www.bedbugsupply.com.

Home Improvement

5 Simple Steps to an Organized Garage


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The garage is one of the most underutilized areas in the home. Many times people begin to place boxes, totes, and miscellaneous items in their garage. Soon enough, the garage becomes a cluttered dumping ground for the whole family. The garage is the optimal space to store and organize your family’s things and should be fully taken advantage of. Here are a few simple steps to an organized and functional garage.

Decision Time:

The first step to an organized garage is making decisions. If an item hasn’t been used in the last 3 years, chances are you’ll never use it in the next 3 years. Make decisions based on this rule of thumb to rid yourself of a lot of unnecessary clutter. Separate items in a “keep” pile and a “donate” pile.

Donate:

Once you’ve separated your things, donate gently used and useful items to your local charity. Donating to a local charity is a great way to give back to your community, recycle and receive a tax deduction. Who wouldn’t find those reasons appealing? Now, you’re ready to start organizing your garage!

Designate:

Now that you’re left with the items you could never part with, it’s time to assign them to a designated spot. Sports equipment, off-season items, tools, and yard equipment should all have a space of their own to call home.

Bins and Labels:

Store things in clear plastic bins to easily identify its contents. If you prefer a more uniform look, store things in a colored bin and label them according to their contents.

Bring Everything Up:

Garage Storage System

In order to maximize on your available space and create more usable square footage, store things up on the wall, above windows and doors and from the ceiling. Utilize shelving, hooks and overhead racks to take advantage of wall and overhead space to store things up and out of the way.

Store off-season and less frequently used items up high. This keeps them out of the way while still allowing for easy access when they are needed. Store more frequently used items, such as kids’ toys and sports equipment and yard tools lower on the wall and in cabinets for daily easy access.

By taking full advantage of your garage you will discover just how much space it actually has to offer. By storing and organizing your items up off the floor you will once again feel in control of your garage.

Monkey Bars Garage Storage Systems is a garage storage and organization company serving Sacramento homeowners with solutions and tips for an organized garage.

Uncategorized

Real Estate Agent Social Media Strategy That Works


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If you are a real estate agent it is time to look into how you can really start to move the homes for sale you have in your listings. The housing market may be stale at the moment, but somehow realtors with some skill are managing to move homes every week. Their secret is simple; they have tuned into the world of social media and are using it to their advantage to get the word out about the properties they have for sale. It is simple to sell a home if you have the right real estate agent working on your side.

Social Networks

The very first thing that you need to do is take a good look at your current social media strategy because there is a very good chance that you can revamp it to help you out. While you might be on Facebook and Twitter, consider whether or not your business is on these social networks yet. If it is not you might be missing out on a prime opportunity. Every day real estate agents are selling dozens of homes via social networks, and you can be one of them.

It is worth it to jump online with your business portfolio starting with your friends and then branching out to their friends. Before long you will have a strong business following and then you can use the profiles to share photos of listings, advertise your services, and more. Why settle for waiting customers and potential buyers to come to you when you can proactively market to them every day with just the click of a button.

Social Apps

After you are done working with social networks you should consider looking into social apps that can also help you get the word out about your listings. There are dozens of social apps out there that allow you to broaden your reach and advertise your listings. For example, Instagram and Pinterest are typically used for sharing photos, but you can use the easy app to share photos of your listings and hopefully encourage a few more sales from people that like your homes. Taylor Morrison is a great example of a real estate company using these platforms well.

On the other hand, there are some social apps made specifically for real estate agents as well. Zillow for example is a great app that contains listing of top homes in almost every region. It is also one of the most used real estate apps by potential clients so you want to make sure that they pick up all of your listings promptly and that all of the listings are correct. By keeping an eye on these kinds of apps you can make sure that are working for you.

Self-Promotion

Finally, while you are busy work with these social networks and social apps make sure that you spend some time on self-promotion. Without self-promotion you are not going to get any new listings or clients, and that is the real backbone to your business. Therefore, from time to time make sure you promote your own business or real estate logo while online.

Alan Martin is a real estate agent in Utah. He also blogs about social media and online marketing.

Home Improvement

Popcorn Ceiling Removal: Tile Options For Your Popcorn Ceiling


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When you want to find an affordable way to update your popcorn ceiling, you might want to consider ceiling tiles.  They are an easy, economical choice for a new look to any room in your house.  However, you may be surprised to learn how many options are available.

Acoustic Tiles

Acoustic tiles are designed to reduce noise because it absorbs the sounds.  These tiles are usually made from fiberglass or spun mineral fibers.  White is the traditional choice for color with acoustic tiles, but you can also find them in beige, blue, or gray.  These tiles are often used in music rooms or homes with more than one living space.

You can choose from different brands and thicknesses of acoustic tiles.  They also have different levels of sound absorption all the way up to 80 percent so you will want to choose carefully.

Plastic Tiles

Plastic is an economical material for people who are on a budget.  They are designed to be fire safe and often provide some insulation.  Some plastic tiles are even made to look like tin tiles with the metallic finish.  You can also find ones with ornate patterns or borders that look like crown molding.  They come in different colors and can even give the appearance of stone.

ceiling tiles

Tin Tiles

If you want the look of real tin, you can still find these tiles to cover your popcorn ceiling.  However, they are more expensive than other types of tiles and are more difficult to work with.  You need proper tools to cut the tin to the correct size, so you may want to have the job professionally done if you choose this type of tile.  You can also use other metals such as brass, copper, and steel to achieve the look of tin tiles.

Cork Tiles

Cork is a great choice of material for people who are concerned about using eco-friendly products.  They are also easy to install and come in waxed or unwaxed options.  Waxed cork brings out the color in the tiles along with the texture; it also gives tiles a shine.  The unwaxed choice allows the natural look to shine through.  This type of tile also provides good insulation.

Other Criteria for Tiles to Cover Popcorn Ceilings

You can get lightweight or heavier ceiling tiles, depending on the material and requirement for noise absorption.  Most tiles are either designed to be vacuumed or cleaned with a damp cloth.  The majority of tiles measure a square of 12 inches by 12 inches but you can find other sizes up to 20 inches if you prefer a different size for your ceiling.

Other things to consider include the warranty and the price.  There is quite a range in price, depending on material and size.  One tile can cost from just a few dollars to close to a hundred dollars.  Cost will increase if you need a grid system for your tiles.  How you install your tiles will depend somewhat on the condition of your ceiling.  It can be helpful to talk with a professional to know which options work best for your situation.  They can look at the condition of your current popcorn ceiling and offer advice, but the final decision is up to you.

Before you buy your tiles, you will want to decide on the style you are looking for as well as the colors in the rest of the room.  They are a great way to update your room and hide the popcorn ceiling without the cost and complication of replacing it.  You can choose to handle the project yourself or hire a professional company to get the job done easily and quickly.

Olger Fallas Painting is a house painter in Maplewood New Jersey specializing in removing lead paint from old homes.

Interior Decorating

Work Better In An Organized And Appealing Home Office: 6 Makeover Tips


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Many homeowners these days now have home offices that act as a personal extension of their offices where they can continue to work on unfinished office reports. Chances are your home office is one of the least aesthetically pleasing rooms in your home and since you spend a few hours in the evening and the weekend in it, you might not even notice how disorganized, small and boring it has become. In fact, it may no longer look like a home office anymore nor feel that way either. Do you have a home office that you have not been able to spruce up in a while? Perhaps you need to take some time and determine what is wrong with your home office and apply the necessary changes.

home office

Why You Need To Give Your Home Office A Makeover

In many cases a home office is where most people spend plenty of time in compared to the laundry room. However, your working environment can affect your productivity, energy levels and creativity. It can also reflect you perception of personal success and your confidence levels. So when you have an uninspiring working space that is constantly filled with clutter, you can expect your business goals to be affected. Home offices usually require makeovers not only to improve the appeal of the room, but to help homeowners feel good and work better towards their goal. As such, if your home office lacks personality, is utilitarian in nature, always has clutter, is always disorganized and has decor and colors that does not complement a home office, you need to do a makeover.

1. Remove Clutter

Clean up your clutter and organize your things. Stick to a personalized organizational plan that is tailored to you and your workflow.

2. Create A Floor Plan

Create a floor plan that allows you easy access to all your items on a daily basis. Tailor it to the type of business you have.

3. Design Interior

Start designing your home office with something that inspires you. You can build the room’s interior based on what you love and what you already have. However, you can also bring in character to your home office by incorporating custom furniture or furnishing pieces, such as a stool, table or even mirrors. Custom made pieces speak about your personality better compared to ready made pieces.

4. Sufficient Lighting

Never overlook the lighting in your home office as it has a major impact on the finished design. Make sure that you have at least two sources of light, but it will not harm to have three.

5. Choose The Right Wall Color

First find a wall color to match an item in your home office, and then find items to match the wall color. Just do not make the mistake of matching your wall color to the exact color of the item of your choice. Always use a tone, tint or shade of the item’s color instead.

6. Establish A Focal Point

You also need to establish a focal point which is the first thing you will see upon entering your home office. Focal points are essential in all interior designs, but home offices do not usually have them. You can also make your desk your focal point by hanging grouped artwork behind the desk.

Valerie Kandria is a freelance writer specializing in interior design, custom doors and custom made furnishings. She offers advice on interior makeovers, how to create extra spaces and add style to a cramped home.

Home Improvement

Above-Ground Versus In-Ground Swimming Pools


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If you and your family are ready to have a pool installed in your backyard so that you can invite all of your friends and family over to enjoy it with you throughout the hot summer season when one of the best things to do is go for a swim to cool off and have fun, you have two choices: above-ground and in-ground pools. This choice may be difficult, and you may have already given it quite some thought but come up empty when it is time to really come to a decision.

To help you determine whether an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool is really best for your backyard, continue reading for the pros and cons associated with each.

Costs

In-ground pools are much more expensive than above-ground pools because they need to be installed directly into the ground in your backyard. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, an above-ground pool may be your only option. Just keep in mind that, at least for the short-term, an above-ground pool may be more affordable. But in the long run, a durable and long-lasting in-ground pool is really your best bet because above-ground pools will eventually need to be replaced.

Labor

There is a lot more labor involved with above-ground pools that are taken down at the end of every season because the following year you have to construct them all over again. If you don’t mind the labor, the affordable above-ground pools available are a great option.

There are also sturdy above-ground pools that can be permanently set in your yard without the need to take them down and put them back up each year. You will need to drain out or treat the water, though, and keep it covered tightly throughout the rest of the year, just as you would an in-ground pool.

Both in-ground and permanent above-ground pools can either be drained and thoroughly cleaned at the end of each season, or you can tightly seal them at the end of the summer. If you use a mesh cover, you will need to continue treating the water throughout the winter with chemicals and the pumps turned on so that it is ready to go when the next summer season arrives. If you use a solid cover instead, you can winterize all of the equipment and add the chemicals and chlorine necessary to last throughout the winter instead.

Space

In-ground pools take up a lot more space in your backyard. Above-ground pools, on the other hand, come in a variety of sizes to suit your preferences and needs. If you do not have a lot of space, or you want to give yourself extra space by taking down your small above-ground pool when you are done with it, it would be best to avoid an in-ground pool.

In-ground and above-ground pools both come with their sets of benefits and drawbacks. Your choice between the two will depend upon the amount of money you have for a pool, the amount of space in your yard, and your expectations for its maintenance.

Derek Tyler is an architect by profession and he enjoys writing articles that mainly focus on landscape design. He enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge and he is currently a consultant at B-Rod Pools in Westport.

Apartment

Enjoy Simplistic Elegance at the Stoneridge Apartment Community


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The Stoneridge apartment community in Pleasanton, California offers its residents a unique balance of elegance, luxury and no-nonsense comfort. This community was designed with the principle that apartment living should offer world-class amenities without being pretentious or cold. Upon entering the community grounds you are immediately welcomed by inviting architecture, stunning landscapes and amenities that beckon you to relax and rejuvenate.

Apartment Amenities

Stoneridge Apartment Community

If you desire an apartment home that is a far cry from the standard cookie-cutter apartments found throughout Pleasanton then the apartments at Stonegridge will be a breath of fresh air. Residents at Stoneridge are able to choose between four distinct floorplans, which range from the efficient 525 sq. ft. one bedroom, one bathroom unit to the two-story 1,247 sq. ft. two bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom townhome. No matter the floorplan, residents can enjoy designer-inspired architecture and open spaces.

All of the apartments at Stoneridge are equipped with upgraded features such as breakfast bars, walk-in closets, wood-burning fireplaces and expansive balconies or patios that are ideal for enjoying the serenity this apartment community delivers. Select units are equipped with garden windows, which soak the apartment with natural sunlight.

Community Grounds

Stoneridge Apartments

The designers of Stoneridge believe that living in an apartment community should provide endless opportunities for entertainment and relaxation. This is evident through the amenities all residents are able to enjoy. The two resort-inspired swimming pools and spas are the ideal location for soaking up the summer sun or taking a nighttime dip. The Movie Lounge features Hi-Def video and true surround sound transport residents to a world-class movie theater without having to leave the community grounds.

If you desire to keep your mind and body healthy, the state-of-the-art fitness center provides exercise equipment that rivals even the most advanced health club while the tennis court and indoor racquetball court are ideal for residents with a competitive edge.

Engaging with friends and neighbors is a top priority at Stoneridge, and with the outdoor entertaining area you can enjoy an evening cocktail with loved ones or spend time reading a book in one of the comfortable lounge chairs. Lastly, the poolside barbecue and picnic areas are designed to support the culinary desires of its residents. 

Apartment

15 Inexpensive Things to do on the Weekend, While Saving Money and Living in an Apartment


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How to Have Fun on a Budget

Travel Budget

You wake up in your room in your apartment community. It’s a Saturday morning. You check your calendar and gasp…there’s nothing there! Your whole day is free. Now…what to do without severely denting your bank account?

1) Make a Homemade Brunch

Get your family or a group of friends together and whip up some pancakes, fruit salad, omelets and mimosas. It’ll end up being a lot cheaper than going out to eat and having everyone over to cook together while getting a head start on those mimosas is half the fun.

2) Yoga on the Lawn

There’s no need to go to an expensive studio. Try rolling out your mat on the closest patch of grass on a sunny day and do some yoga in the sun. If you aren’t already familiar with the practice, there are plenty of videos online to help you get started. Turn on some peaceful music and you’re all set to get in shape while relaxing at the same time.

3) Call it a Beach Vacation Day

If you live near the ocean and it’s warm out, a beach vacation is probably your number one inexpensive weekend activity. Pack some snacks, tanning oil and a good book and you can easily spend the whole day relaxing in the warm sand.

4) Take a Hike

No matter where you live, chances are there is some kind of hiking options moderately nearby. Hikes are a great way to get outside for some fresh air and experience nature. Suggest it to your friends and chances are you can easily find a few people to tag along.

5) Have a Game Night

Game nights are the perfect way to end your Saturday. Invite a group of friends over, set out some cheese and crackers, open a bottle of wine and get ready for the competitiveness that ensues.

6) Attend a Flea Market

Most cities have local flea markets that open either Saturday or Sunday mornings. These are great places to go to get some fabulous cheap finds and get an early start to your day.

7) Go for a Picnic

During sunny summer and spring days, take a walk to a nearby park, lake or beach and have a traditional picnic complete with your red-checkered blanket. Bring along your dog, volleyball or a good book for a relaxing and spending-free afternoon.

8) Visit Your Local Library

Libraries are an often underappreciated resource. Try spending a few hours at your local library and browsing through the thousands of book selections. Take your time in choosing a few books that spark your interest and uncovering those books that you may have once come across and always meant to read.

9) Culture Yourself at a Museum

Museums are both educational and fun. Better yet, they’re usually fairly cheap to enter and often offer discounted student or senior citizen prices as well.

10) Host a Cocktail Party

Spending a few hours at a bar is a sure way to clean out your wallet. Avoid the crowded and expensive clubs and try hosting a small cocktail party instead. Play bartender and try researching some fun recipes that you’ve always itched to make.

11) Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering at local soup kitchen, animal shelter or community center is a cost-free way of spending your day that will leave you feeling great afterwards for having helped those in need. Also, volunteering can actually be quite a lot of fun!

12) Organize a Yard Sale

Weekends are a great time to go through your home and clean out all the junk that piles up over the years. Try organizing a yard sale on a Saturday or Sunday morning and taking whatever you don’t sell to the nearest donation center. Not only will you feel productive for having de-cluttered your home, but you can even make a good amount of cash on the side.

13) Ride Your Bike

Bike rides are a cheap, pleasurable and active way to spend a few hours getting fresh air. After all, remember how much fun you had riding a bike as a kid?

14) Shop at a Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s Markets or Festivals are the perfect place to spend a weekend morning and afternoon shopping for healthy, cheap, locally grown fruit and produce. Most Farmer’s Markets also have quaint eating areas where you can take a break from shopping and have a healthy bite to eat.

15) Get Your Bake On

Break out your laptop and open your favorite baking inspirations on Pinterest. We know you’ve most likely accumulated more than a couple recipes that have made your mouth water. Put on some music and invite over a friend and try out a few recipes for those colder weekends better spent indoors.

Discover a consistent stream of apartment lifestyle tips and tricks at the Apartment Living Blog by Avalon Communities right now!

Apartment

Review of Pacific Pointe – Apartments in San Clemente, CA


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Pacific Pointe Apartments

So you want an apartment complex that will give you what you need? There is nothing wrong with that, but it might mean that you have to look a little bit harder than the average person. For those people thinking of moving to San Clemente, Pacific Pointe is an apartment complex that is worth considering.

A Place With a View

The area has many good possibilities, but there are some distinct reasons why Pacific Pointe stands out above the rest. The first thing to note is the amazing ocean views that you’ll get with your apartment home. That isn’t all that Pacific Pointe has to offer, though.

If you are going to review these apartments, then you have to start with what they do best. That is offer their occupants an awesome view. How many people get to come home and enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean? The answer is that few people in the world will find themselves in this lucky situation. This might not seem like a big deal, but it truly is something that is hard to put a price tag on. It makes life a little bit better and is a factor that distinguishes Pacific Pointe from the rest.

Getting what you need on the inside

Another reason why living at Pacific Pointe makes sense is that you can get a lot of value out of the inside of the complex. You can enjoy stacked washer and dryer units. The apartments come complete with a gourmet kitchen setup. Likewise, the central heating and ceiling fans make the apartment complexes comfortable for people who want to control their air. The open floor plans are great for individuals who would like to design their space with some creativity.

Getting what you need on the outside

Pacific Pointe Amenities

The inside of your apartment is important, but it’s not the only thing. You might also want to consider what you can get out of the outside of these apartments. Residents all get to enjoy the wonderful amenities at this complex. Among those are a heated swimming pool, a spa, and much more. For people who want to get their lift on, a workout center is available. For people with little kids to entertain, the picnic and playground areas are very nice. Simply speaking, there is something for everyone when you take your crew to live at Pacific Pointe of San Clemente.

Home Improvement

Incorporating Reclaimed Wood into your Home or Apartment


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With more companies and contractors seeking LEED certification, it’s not uncommon to see the use of reclaimed wood in remodels and new buildings. What a lot of people don’t know is that it’s simple to use this earth-friendly material in a home or apartment. From reclaimed hardwood flooring to simple crafts, reclaimed lumber isn’t just beneficial for the environment and a green solution for your space – it’s also an investment that’s full of character.

About Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed lumber comes from objects that have had a previous life, such as barns, shipping palettes or wine casks. After the wood has been salvaged, dried and milled, professionals turn it into new products you can use in your home.

Alternatively, DIY enthusiasts can source reclaimed wood from garage sales, thrift stores, classified ads or retailers that sell salvaged building supplies. If you wish to go the DIY route, be picky about the wood you choose. Always look for lumber that was never chemically treated so you don’t get exposed to toxins. Also, carefully inspect the wood for signs of insects so you don’t introduce unwanted pests into your home.

Incorporating Reclaimed Wood into Your Home

Using reclaimed lumber in your home design is simple, as many designers and contractors offer affordable reclaimed wood options. When working on a wood craft of your own, there’s a good chance you can replace virgin wood from the hardware store with reclaimed wood. Here are some ideas:

Reclaimed Wood Floors

Reclaimed hardwood flooring

One of the main advantages reclaimed lumber has over newly harvested wood is its strength, durability and extra resistance to moisture (because it’s drier and comes from old-growth trees). Consider using reclaimed hardwood flooring in the shared living areas of your home. The unique patina of the lumber, and the variety of available shades, make it possible to perfectly complement your home’s décor.

Decks

Some types of reclaimed lumber resist the elements so well you can use them to build or resurface a deck. Consider incorporating old beams into steps and built-in benches.

Wood veneer panels

Veneer panels made out of reclaimed redwood provide an affordable option that gives you the look of solid wood at a fraction of the cost. Because the panels are more stable than virgin wood, they’re less prone to the effects of humidity and alternating temperatures. Wood panels are ideal for:

  • Walls
  • Casework
  • Frames
  • Cabinetry
  • Doors

Flower boxes and raised beds

With some old shipping pallets and basic building supplies, you can make simple flower boxes and raised garden beds over the weekend.

Cutting board

If you have the know-how, use untreated hardwood (stay away from soft timbers) to make a unique cutting board. If saws and sandpaper aren’t for you, check out stores that sell kitchenware, as many now offer reclaimed wood products such as wine racks and salad tongs.

Birdhouses

Another great weekend project, birdhouses are simple to make (especially with kids).

Reclaimed Wood Frames

Picture frames 

You don’t need many materials to make yourself some amazing picture frames from reclaimed wood. If the wood has an interesting pattern, use a light stain on it.

The use of reclaimed wood is a design trend that’s here to stay. By incorporating this eco-friendly material into your home, you help reduce deforestation and keep perfectly usable materials out of landfills. Talk to a dealer who specialized in reclaimed wood to learn more about its uses and benefits.

Author Bio:

This post was contributed by Viridian Reclaimed Wood, a reclaimed wood flooring, paneling and furniture salvaging and materials company based in Portland, Oregon. Viridian focuses on using environmentally responsible raw materials and manufacturing processes to build products that last generations  and than can in turn be easily reclaimed at the end of their life cycle.