Fair in the Park

There is a fair in the park this weekend at Mellon Park downtown.  The fair will be this weekend starting at 1pm on Friday.  There will be art vendors, entertainment, and food for you and your family to enjoy.

For more information see A Fair in the Park.

RUNSHADYSIDE 5K and Family Fun Walk

Make sure to participate in the RUNSHADYSIDE 5K and Family Fun Walk.  Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Shadyside.  Registration is open now, but the event will be held October 6th.  The race is described as "... a fast-moving house tour. Paved, tree-lined streets, with a start at Walnut and Bellefonte."  Make sure to go to http://www.runshadyside.com/ to register for the event.  

Bakery Square Beach Party Tonight

Enjoy a free big beachy bash at Bakery Square, with fun in the sun on a white sand beach in the heart of the East End. the event features live music by Mace Ballard & Revolution Radio, cold brews, the FUZE 20 foot water slide, beachy games, boardwalk-style treats and more! Proceeds benefit Riverlife.

Jam on Walnut in Shadyside Tonight

Installing New Gutters

It seems like there is always something to do when it comes to fixing up your home. Replacing your gutters usually isn't at the top of your list. This often-overlooked project seems challenging, but DoItYourself.com has you covered with instructions.

From DoItYourself.com 

1. Map Out Your Gutter Run. Before you make any gutter purchases, make a map of your home, and of the current gutter system that is installed. Determine the length of the gutter run, how many downspouts your system will require, and how long those downspouts will need to be. If your old gutter system worked well, you may find it easiest to simply copy that exact system and replace it with a new one, keeping the old downspouts in the same area, etc. Write out all of your measurements and needed items, prior to leaving for the local hardware store.

2. Chalk It Up. If your gutter run is 35 feet or less, the highest point of your run is going to be at one end, and it will then slope downwards to where the downspout is. Look for the high point to be an inch down from the top of the fascia (this is the board that the gutters are attached to). The slope should ideally be 1/4 inch for every 10 feet of gutter run.

If the run is more than 35 feet in length, you will find that the high point will be at the center of the run, with slopes leading to the downspouts on either side. Once again, you should discover that the high point will be located an inch down from the top of the fascia and the slopes should be gradient with a 1/4 inch slope for every 10 feet. Having someone hold one end of the gutter, you should hold the other at the appropriate angle and snap a chalk like so that you will have a guide to follow when you go to put up the new gutters.

3. Install Downspout Outlets. Using 1 1/4 inch deck screws, attach your downspout outlets. Even with the chalk line and attaching at the end of the house, these outlets will be close to but not at the extreme end of the run (remember that the roof extends out over the house). Ensure that these are firmly attached and then move on to the next step.

4. Hang the Gutter Hangers. The gutter hangers should be attached to the fascia every 24 inches using the 1 1/4 inch deck screws. Fastened about 1 inch away from the ends of the roof, these hangers offer the gutters a form of support. Make sure that you leave room at the ends of the supports for the gutter caps and also ensure that you have followed the chalk line, in order to maintain the proper angles.

5. Cover the Gutter Corners. If your corners don't have a downspout and aren't located at the end of the run, you will want to cover these joints with gutter covers. These will prevent water from leaking out where it should not, preventing unnecessary damage and prolonging the life of your gutters.

6. Cutting Gutters. Using a hacksaw, carefully cut your gutter sections so that they fit between the downspout outlet and the end of your roof. Put the cap over the end and snap the section into the outlet for the downspout, then hook the gutter onto the hangers. Remember that your gutter sections start from the middle of the downspout outlet and be sure to follow your chalk lines.

7. Bring It Together. From the ground, connect your gutter sections. This is a very simple step - using special connectors, these sections will easily match up and then will just snap into the gutter sections. For best results, have someone to help you support the gutters as you hang them.

8. The Drain Pipes. For your downspouts, you will want to cut a piece of drainpipe so that it will fit between the downspout elbow joint on the outlet and the one on the wall. Putting the elbows on the pipe, then snap it onto the outlet and, using a drainpipe hanger, be sure to secure the other elbow onto the wall. Then cut another piece of drainpipe, this one designed to fit between the wall elbow and hang down to approximately one foot above the ground. Snap the drain pipe into the wall and then attach another new elbow joint down by the ground. Fasten a hanger for your drain pipe here and, after cutting an appropriate length of pipe, attach it to this joint to funnel the water away from the side of your home (this piece may be as long or as short as you would like).

Hanging gutters may seem like a perplexing and difficult home repair but, when these easy tips are followed, the job is surprisingly simple and can easily be accomplished in a short amount of time. For best results and for safety's sake, it's always best to have someone work with you. In fact, the light weight materials make this a good family project that can be accomplished over a weekend. Give it a try - it's easy!

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/installnewgutters#ixzz22hvUUjPK

Exterior Repainting Tips and Techniques

Thanks to Doityourself.com for these painting tips. 

Remember: A coat of fresh paint will not glue down a coat of old paint that's ready to crack and fall off.

Paints are common coatings used on wood and provide the most protection. Latex-based paints and stains are water borne, and oil or alkyd paints are solvent borne. Paints are used for aesthetic purposes, to protect the wood surface from weathering and to conceal certain defects. Paints are applied to the wood surface and do not penetrate it deeply. The wood grain is completely obscured, and a surface film is formed. This surface film can blister or peel if the wood is wetted or if inside water vapor moves through the house wall and wood siding because of the absence of a vapor barrier.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/exttips#ixzz21I1oFZ3i

Tips for Preparing a Room for Painting

DoItYourself.com is one of my favorite websites. They offer tips on all types of projects around the house. These projects are a great way to raise the value of your house. Here's a great article I found for inexperienced painters!

The steps involved in preparing a room for painting include the following:

1. Remove as much furniture from the room as possible, and move the remaining furniture to the center of the room. Cover the remaining furniture with a drop cloth, and use removable masking tape around any moldings, doors and windows. Use drop cloths to protect the floors. 
   
2. Cover the smoke detector with a plastic bag, and turn off any heating or air conditioning to prepare for the sanding and painting. 
   
3. Scrape or sand any loose or flaking paint using sandpaper or a paint scraper. Scrape down to the bare surface if needed. 
   
4. Use a putty knife to fill any nail or screw holes with a good quality spackling compound. Fill any cracks with caulking. 
   
5. If the woodwork is seriously damaged it may be necessary to apply epoxy filler, like the filler used on car bodies.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/prepareroomforpaint#ixzz20dOqPtWp

Stay Cool in Summer Heat

It has been hot in and around the city of Pittsburgh this week. It is important to stay cool and hydrated in heat like this. I found some tips from MedicineNet.com that I found helpful. Stay cool our there!

TIPS TO STAY COOL

• Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening)
• Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
• Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
• Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
• Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.   

There are more tips in the article. Thanks MedicineNet!  

Home Is Where the History Is

Homeownership is an investment in our future and a gateway to our past. No wonder they call it the American Dream!

As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day next week, thousands of them will flock to places like Mount Vernon, Monticello and Peacefield to learn and understand more about our country’s history and the men and women who shaped its future. The homes of founding fathers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were more than shelter; they were places of respite, reflection and inspiration.

“Homeownership is an investment in our future, but it’s also a gateway to our past,” says NAR President Moe Veissi. “The homes of our country’s founders offer insights into their characters and values, and reflect the spirits of their owners, just as our homes do for us today.”


In some ways, historic homeowners bear little resemblance to the homeowners of today. George Washington inherited Mount Vernon when he was 20; only 4 percent of recent home buyers were between the ages of 18-24, according to the 2011 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. John Adams was born in the house that would remain in the Adams family for four generations. Today, fewer than 3 percent of families in this country have received their primary residence as an inheritance, according to a recent Survey of Consumer Finances published by the Federal Reserve Board.


Women’s rights to own property in America’s early days were often based on their relationships with men, so it’s not surprising that many women today view homeownership as its own form of independence, with single women representing more than one-fifth of all home buyers in the current market.


Homeowners across U.S. history do share some common ground, of course. Most of the founding families lived out their lives close to where they were born, and the same is true today. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly 60 percent of Americans currently live in the state in which they were born, and NAR research shows that the typical buyer moves only 12 miles from his or her previous residence.


“I am as happy nowhere else and in no other society, and all my wishes end, where I hope my days will end, at Monticello,” said Thomas Jefferson of his home. Although today’s economic environment has postponed homeownership for some, numerous surveys show that most Americans still aspire to homeownership. In the NAR Profile, a full 60 percent of recent first-time home buyers cited the desire to own a home of their own as the primary reason for purchasing a home.


“There’s a reason homeownership is called the American Dream,” says Veissi. “As we celebrate our country’s independence and reflect on its past, REALTORS® remain committed to keeping the dream of homeownership alive for generations of Americans to come.”


The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Read more: http://rismedia.com/2012-06-28/home-is-where-the-history-is/.

Beat the Heat, Summer Energy Saving Tips

It has been getting warmer and warmer in Pittsburgh this week, so I thought I'd revisit some energy saving tips so you can beat the heat and save some money. Here are just a few, visit the full article for more info and more tips!  Thanks to FreshHome.com for the article!

1. Replace outdated AC units

2. Avoid using your oven, try grilling

3. Keep the sun out with curtains

4. Take cooler and shorter showers

Pittsburgh Road Closures this Weekend

Thanks to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for sharing this weekend's road closures. It may be a little tricky to get around some areas downtown.

Creating a Mobile Container Garden

These stylish planters can spice up an outdoor area, but the best part is you can move them. Thanks to HGTV.com for the idea and the directions. Good luck with the project, and send me your picture if you do the project!

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I hope you have time to spend with family and friends this weekend!

Pittsburgh Farmers Markets

 The Market Square Farmers Market opened today for the first time this year. This time of the year Farmers Markets are popping up all of the city. Here's a guide from the Post Gazette to area markets. There are over 130 markets!

20th Annual Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure

The 20th Annual Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure is this Sunday, Mother's Day, in Schenley Park. The event raises awareness for the fight against breast cancer. You can visit their website for more information.

Energy Saving Tips to Prep your Home for Summer

May is in full swing and the weather is getting warmer. Air conditioning can cause energy costs to go up, so here are some tips I found from FrugalDad.com to save money and keep cool in the summer.

Plant a tree next to your AC unit: Putting some shade over your outdoor AC unit can make it run more efficiently.

Inspect your dryer vents: Clogged dryer vents cause warm air to come back in the house.

Run your bathroom vent fan during showers: This removes warm, muggy air from steamy showers, making the AC unit's job easier.

Consider a drying rack for heavy garments like jeans or towels: Air drying heavy garments makes a big difference.

For the full list of energy saving tips visit FrugalDad.com.

Good Luck to the Pens Tonight

Good luck to the Penguins tonight in Game 5 of their first round series against the Flyers!

Spring Cleaning Your Home Exterior: Five Curb Appeal Boosting Home Improvement Projects

"When warm, pleasant weather arrives, many homeowners think “spring cleaning”. Although this seasonal chore is a great way to improve the interior of the home, it’s important to think of ways to improve the exterior as well. By making whole-home improvement a priority this spring, homeowners can get the exterior look they’ve always wanted." according to PRWeb.com

Here are your 5 projects! 

Refresh the exterior: Replacing siding is an excellent example of refreshing your exterior. 

Good clean gutters: Melted ice and snow can seep into your home causing damages. 

Windows: Replacing old windows can save energy when you put on your AC.

Add some color: Painting shutters, doors, or adding flowers adds color and life to your house. 

Stones: Fresh new stones along a pathway or some stone veneer can give your home a whole new look. 

Thanks to PRWeb.com for the great article! 

Prepping your Home for the Spring

March has arrived which means spring is just around the corner. It is important to maintain your home in order to keep your property value up, and the spring is the perfect time to do some touch-ups around the property. Here's a checklist from Hays Home Improvement that is a good place to start.

-Clean your gutters
-Check the underside of siding for any rotting
-Look over the roof for any winter damage
-Examine your attic for roof damage that has seeped to the interior
-Be sure the downspouts from your gutter carries the water far enough (about 5 ft.) from the house

Follow the link for more ideas on maintaining the house going into the spring. 

Tips for Removing Wallpaper

If you have just bought a home, or are looking to sell, sometimes a house needs a change. Replacing wallpaper or painting previously papered walls can make a world of difference. Removing wallpaper seems like an easy enough task, but it can be tricky your first time. Here's some times from the DIY Network for removing wallpaper! Follow the link for full instructions, as this is just a brief overview.

Step 1: Prepare the room. Use drop clothes to protect the floor, remove switch plates and outlet covers, and cut power to the room

Step 2: Score wallpaper. This means put little holes in the paper using a tool called a scorer.

Step 3: Prep solution. There are plenty of commercial solutions, or you can make your own (see article).

Step 4: Soak Walls. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution to the wall one small area at a time.

Step 5: Strip Paper. Grab the paper in a corner and peel slowly, using a putty knife to help.

Step 6: Clean Walls. Use a small amount of dish detergent and hot water to remove any left over adhesive residue.

Improve Your House's Curb Appeal

A first impression can be huge when you are selling your home. Make sure the outside of your house looks its best when it is on the market. Here are some tips to keep your yard and exterior at its most beautiful.

1. Edge the driveway: Adding stone or brick to the outside of a driveway will leave it looking more defined and clean. Installing edging really is not too difficult either.

2. Install lights along the sidewalk: Lights along the entrance are more welcoming than just a light on the front of the house. It also accents landscaping.

3. Flowers: Everyone loves flowers. They are welcoming, beautiful, and aren't as expensive as re-doing the yard.

4. Paint the front door: New paint on the front door can add life to the exterior of the house.


For more ideas for improving the exterior of your house, visit the MSN Real Estate article.

6 Design Tricks for a Small Home

Not every home can be the huge space we sometimes desire. Sometimes a smaller house can have a desirable location and price. Renovations to these smaller homes can be the key to making them work. Here are six design tips for small home from MSN Real Estate.

1. Raise the roof: This isn't always possible, but if you can put higher ceilings in, the space feels larger.

2. See outside: Large glass windows, doors, or even walls can bring the outside in. The room will feel larger when the outdoors seem to blend with the indoor space.

3. Define your space: Decoration can be key. Simple, geometric shapes in paintings, light fixtures, etc, can give the room a different feel than less defined items.

4. Think in three dimensions: In a small space it is important to consider how something looks from all angles, not just one.

5. Use natural light: This one is similar to number 2, but the more natural light you let it, the bigger the area seems.

6. Put an outdoor space upstars: This, once again, isn't always possible, but putting a patio on a roof or a 2nd floor balcony opens things up.

For more information and expanded commentary on these ideas visit the MSN Real Estate article!

10 Remodeling Projects that Pay Back Most

Remodeling a home can add to property value, according to MSN, and remodeling costs are dropping. The average remodel cost has dropped 10% to 15% in the past 5 years. Here are ten remodels from MSN that pay back the most.

1. Replacing exterior siding

2. Replacing an entry door

3. A midrange attic bedroom remodel

4. A midrange minor kitchen model

5. A midrange garage door replacement

6. A high-end garage door

7. A new wood deck

8. New foam-backed vinyl siding replacement

9. New midrange replacement vinyl siding

10. Upscale vinyl replacement windows


For more on these remodels visit the MSN Real Estate article!

Protect Your Home From the Snow

We are supposed to be getting snow this weekend, so I thought I'd share some tips I found for protecting the value of your home during snow storms. Thanks to Homeinsurance.com for the article! 

Clear the snow off from around your doors and windows so that melting snow doesn’t enter your home

Make sure drains and gutters are clear of dirt and debris

Test your down spouts to make sure that they carry water far from your home so that melting snow doesn’t cause flooding issues

Clear snow mounds from around exhaust pipes and air vents on heaters, furnaces and dryers

If you leave home, do not turn off the heat as this can cause frozen pipes which can burst and flood your home

Real Estate Tips for 2012

I came across a great article from Steve McLinden on Bankrate.com with 12 tips for 2012! Here are the tips:

1. Price it right from the get-go: In a relatively slower market, holding out for a better offer may not come.

2. Put your best footage forward: Prep your house by cleaning, painting, etc.

3. Be flexible: Don't break, but bend a little bit

4. Get over your technology fears: Don't be afraid to use the Internet or social media to sell

5. Don't fall for scams: Research any "investor" who promises to help sell your home fast or offer loan modification

To see the rest of the tips and more on these tips, follow this link to the article!