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Time to Open the Swimming Pool: Checklist And Reminders

May 28, 2007 By

Opening a swimming pool for the summer can be daunting task, depending on what kind of pool you have.  To keep your family safe and help you get your pool ready for the season, you might want to take a peek at these suggestions.

Pretty soon it will be time to open the swimming pool and/or bring out the vinyl pool for your kids.  In order to ensure any pool is safe and prepared for summer fun, here are some tips you can utilize.

Vinyl Pools

If you have a vinyl pool, check for rips and tears.  If there are any, you can easily purchase a repair kit from any pool dealership.  Follow the directions in the kit, and the kids will be set to go!

In-ground Pools

If you have a larger pool or built in pool, there are additional areas you will have to check.
Ensure that you have all of the chemicals you need to properly prepare your pool for the summer.  Get rid of any outdated chemicals you may have on hand.  Remove the pool cover and clean it; fold, and store for the summer.  Get rid of all debris from the pool floor using a leaf net.  Adjust the pH and Alkaline levels of the water.  Use chlorine to get rid of any bacteria in the pool.  Get the pump and filter in working order.  Reassemble the ladders to the deck of the pool.  Remove all of the plugs and replace the return outlet fittings.  Fill the pool up to its normal level.  Check all of your electrical components to ensure they are working properly.  Start the circulation equipment and clean the pool.  Check the chemistry of the water as well as the levels to ensure they are up to speed.  The rule of thumb is to run the circulation system for three days until the water is completely clear.

Get out your tire tubes and water mats; inflate and give them a good cleaning before they are placed in the pool.

When it’s time to open the swimming pool, the kids become excited and can’t wait for the first warm day.  Ensure their pool is not filled with too much water.  Make sure it has been cleaned, and most of all, make it as safe for them as possible.

More Resources:

Keep up with what’s happening at Mom’s Talk Network, by clicking here.

Filed Under: Parenting

How to Handle Unauthorized Charges on Your Credit Card

May 27, 2007 By

In this day and age of identity theft and fraud, it is important to check credit card bills.  If someone has stolen your credit card number or unauthorized charges from a vendor appear on your statement, you have rights.  Learn how to dispute an unauthorized charge on your credit card statement.

If you find an unauthorized charge on your credit card statement, report it immediately.  Contact one of the major three whose reporting is used most often by merchants and banks: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.  This will alert them that there may be discrepancies on your credit card report from that credit card issuer while you work to straighten out the problem.

According to the law, you do not have to report an error within sixty days.  Credit card companies would have you to believe that sixty days is all you have to begin the process on a billing discrepancy pertaining to unauthorized charges.  You do not have to notify them in writing.  You may begin a credit card dispute over the phone.

If a person steals your credit card number and runs up a number of charges, you are not liable for any of them.  The company may charge you fifty dollars.  This is the most that they can assess you for the damage done by someone else.

The credit card company has to investigate the allegations of an unauthorized charge.  They have ninety days to investigate and get back to you with their decision.  You may withhold your payments pertaining to the charge in question until the issue of the unauthorized charge is resolved.

If you do not receive satisfaction within that time, you may move further up the chain to settle the dispute.  The Office of the Comptroller of Currency is the federal agency that regulates credit card companies.  File a complaint with them if the credit card company does not respond to your complaint.  Most charges of this nature will be resolved in a timely fashion with the credit card company without need for further action on your part.

If the unauthorized charge was due to a lost wallet containing your credit cards, have them cancelled.  Once the issue of theft has been cleared up, the credit card company can re-issue a new card.  Cancel all cards, regardless of whether they had been used or not, if you suspect identity theft.

Handle unauthorized credit card charges immediately.  Waiting could only compound the problem.  The sooner the matter is brought to the attention of the credit card company, the easier it will be to dispute the charges and get them cancelled.

More Resources:

Grab your Guide to Family Budgeting – Step-by-step guide to help you establish a workable budget.

Filed Under: Money & Finance

Product Review: Sharp R-1214 1100-Watt 1.5 Cubic Foot Over-the-Counter Microwave, Stainless

May 27, 2007 By

This a very powerful microwave oven that helps save counter space.

According the Manufacturer: “Counter intelligence: introducing Sharp’s unique over-the-counter microwave oven, the R-1214, with Smart & Easy sensor technology for cooking or reheating 11 of the most-popular microwave treats. The OTC is the smarter kitchen design solution that saves valuable counter space. It provides a wide range of options for placement, works with standard cabinet sizes, and does not require a built-in kit or shelf, allowing for an easy installation. And it comes with under cabinet task lighting. So smarten up your kitchen design with Sharp’s intelligent over-the-counter microwave oven. It’s an ideal space saver that will give you more counter space–and more cooking space.”

Features:

  • Unique, over-the-counter, 1100-watt microwave with Smart & Easy sensor technology
  • Auto-Touch control panel; 24 automatic settings; 7-digit, 2-color lighted LCD display
  • Convenient functions include Minute Plus, Keep Warm, Popcorn, and Hot Water

Click here for a full-feature list.

What We Like: The sleek design adds a nice accent to any kitchen. The over-the-counter design is definitely a plus, especially for smaller kitchens.

What You Might Be Concerned About: This is a well-designed and powerful microwave…and thus comes with a premium price tag.

Where to Buy: Click here to find new and used.

Keep up with what’s happening at Mom’s Talk Network, by clicking here.

Filed Under: Home

Skin Care for Baby Boomers: Keeping Your Youthful Glow

May 27, 2007 By

With all of the products being promoted for skin care, it seems baby boomers have a desire to use more natural products to enhance their skin. Here are some skin care tips for baby boomers.

Avoid chemical based products; and treatments which can only damage the skin further.
It’s time to return to a more natural way of enhancing the skin. There was a time when homemade skin treatments were used, and we seem to be going back to the tried and true methods of skin care. While there are a multitude of skin products available, there are just as many old fashioned ways in which one can safely and effectively treat one’s skin.

Moisturizing on a daily basis; using non-chemical cleansers, and skin toning are ways in which to properly maintain ones skin. Oatmeal facials, aloe, and other natural properties can be used to keep one’s skins looking healthy and youthful. Moreover, it is also important to maintain a proper diet as well. Experts say it is just as important what you put into your body as what you put on your body. Makes sense!

Other ways to keep skin looking healthy are: avoid the sun, but if you are out and about, use sunscreen; ensure you get a good night’s sleep; stop smoking; keep the stress level down; moisturize those areas of your body which become the driest; exercise; and if you have to use make-up products, find those that have less chemicals and are more natural.

You know, looking back at the maternal side of my family; they didn’t have the type of products used today. As a result, their skin is so beautiful and healthy it makes you wonder why we need all of these products in the first place. Go natural!

Grab your free copy of Hot Mama Makeover and start feeling sexier and more confident.

Filed Under: Beauty & Style

Product Review: Ascaso Dream – Versatile Espresso And Cappuccino Machine – Love Red

May 26, 2007 By

Ascaso DreamThe Ascaso Dream – Versatile Espresso And Cappuccino Machine – Love Red allows you to make cafe-quality cappuccino in the comfort of your own home. The bright red color gives it a whole lot of added personality.

Features include:

* Simple to use controls with Pressure gauge displaying optimal brewing pressure.
* Durable aluminum body in a wide selection of colors. Also available in polished aluminum (see pricelist).
* Polished stainless steel cup tray and removable front drip tray.
* Chrome plated brass steam wand with safety grip, featuring an easy-froth tip for perfect cappuccino.
* 900 watt brass boiler and brass brewing components for maximum performance and durability.

And you can read the full feature list here.

What We Like: This machine is easy-to-use and the quality cappuccino it produces is worth the extra expense. The red color is a cool accent.

What You Might Be Concerned About: This is for really serious cappuccino and espresso fans. With it’s heavy price tag, you gotta be crazy for the coffee bean.

Where to Buy: Find information on purchasing by clicking here.

Keep up with what’s happening at Mom’s Talk Network, by clicking here.

Filed Under: Home
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