“My mechanic in California has had my car for over 2 years for a refurbishment/restoration. He rebuilt the engine a year and a half ago (it’s still on an engine hoist), but since paying him last year for all work to be performed he’s done nearly nothing to the car. Every month that I visit him he comes up with some excuse as to why there’s been no progress and then pushes out the completion date another six to eight weeks. I no longer believe that my car is a real priority nor do I believe the car will be completed in the foreseeable future.

How can I get him to complete the car as agreed to on the invoice and not anger him so as to compromise the work he has verbally guaranteed? “

Having been waiting on something that’s been promised in good faith can certainly wear on a person’s patience. And when it comes to repair work, a person can lose hope of ever getting the repairs done that were originally agreed upon.

But as my mother taught me, you can catch more flies with sugar than you can with vinegar, so in a situation like this, it’s time to put on the charm. It’s time to make your mechanic your new best friend and show him how persistent your “friendship” can be while you are waiting for your car to be finished.

I would start by stopping by the shop every few days to see how he is doing. Bring him coffee and donuts and tell him you were in the area and just wanted to chat. Let him know that you can see just how busy he is and just wanted to keep in touch.

Each time you drop in, talk about your family and what your plans are for the weekend and upcoming vacations. Ask him what his vacation plans are. Ask him about his kids or grandkids. How his job is going and emphasizing that you can see how busy he is by the amount of work that he has backlogged.

If he does mention the progress on your car, express interest and remind him you will drop back into the shop in a few days just to say “hi”. Bring him a small trinkets, (low cost and gaudy if possible) showing him you value him as a friend and all the work he is doing.

In essence your goal is to be genuinely kind while becoming a nuisance. Hopefully he will find himself too busy to talk with you and will make a special effort to finish your car quickly so you will find another “best friend” and leave him in peace.

It may not work for everyone, but it certainly can’t hurt at this point.

Sensible Guides.

There are literally thousands of health clubs all over the country and although most consumers are happy with their choices, others are not.  There are complaints lodged with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with many well known businesses detailing high pressure sales tactics, misrepresentation of services to impossible refund clauses.  And of course, the money lost when a club or spa goes out of business.

Here are a few suggestions to help you make the right choice when you are considering joining any kind of club or spa membership.

Take a Detailed Tour

Visit the spa or club several times during the hours you would normally use it. By varying your visits, you can see if crowding is an issue. Keep an open eye out for:

• Are there enough machines available for use and are they well maintained?
• Are the spas well staffed?
• How clean is the facility? Inspect all the amenities that appeal to you and the cleanliness of each area.
• Do you see any safety issues that may need to be addressed?

Ask Questions

Whether you are doing a tour alone or are being guided by a sales associate, ask questions about anything you are unclear on.  The associate should be able to answer your questions clearly and without hesitation.

• How many members are there and is there a membership limit? Many clubs may not be busy when you visit however it may be packed during peak hours or on weekends.
• Is there a trial period? Most often you will be able to sample the equipment and the services for a short time in order to “seal the deal”.
• Are there any restrictions based on membership prices, if so what are they?

If you are looking for professional help, Instructors and personal trainers are sure to be available for specific programs in group settings, or in one on one programs.  Ask about their qualifications and how long they have been at the facility.

Review the Contracts

Some spas may ask you to join and pay the entire fee upfront offering you incentives such as special rates to entice you to sign on the spot. Don’t do it. Wait a few days before deciding and take the contract home.  Read it carefully to see if everything the salesperson promised is written in the contract.  If there is a discrepancy, you may have a hard time proving it if it was not written down.

• Is there a “cooling-off” period?
• Is there a refund policy if you need to cancel due to relocation or injury?  This is especially important if you are choosing a long term membership.
• Can you join for a shorter “trial” period? Chances are you will be encouraged to join a longer membership at a less costly rate but this may not be the best idea. If you find that you are not using the facility, you are not committed to monthly charges that may take years to complete.
• Can you afford the payments?  Don’t forget to include the finance charges and the interest payments when you calculate your actual membership fee.

Do Your Research

Before you join any club or spa, get feedback from friends and family who have joined the facility.  Ask patrons on your tour of their likes and dislikes.  Most importantly, contact your local consumer protection office or Better Business Bureau to find out whether they have received any complaints about the business.  Make an informed decision before you sign and enjoy the benefits without the worry.

Sensible Guides.

The government, the press, Better Business Bureaus and other consumer rights advocates are working hard to intervene, and while some shops are getting caught and being indicted with fraud, too many are still under the radar and getting away with it.

Here are some tips on how to become better educated about your vehicle so that when repair work is needed, you will have a better understanding of what is actually being done.

Talk to Everyone

The most important thing of course is to find a reputable place that’s been in business for several years. The best way to find this kind of information is to ask your family and friends where they have their vehicles maintained. Ask your coworkers and anyone whose opinion you value. Why do they like the shop they frequent, what their fees are, and how long they have been using that particular place? This is where doing a little research will save you a ton of headaches and a lot of money.

When it’s time to take your vehicle to the shop, be very specific in what you are there for. For example, if you are replacing tires, let them know you are there just for tire work. If the service adviser tells you that you need additional work done, question why it’s needed. If you feel the mechanic is trying to up sell you unnecessary repair work, this should raise a red flag. You have every right to request a quote for their suggested repairs and get a second opinion.

Don’t be Shy

There are times when a service adviser may tell you that you need new brakes or that you have a leak, both of which can be relatively easily spotted when the vehicle is in the air and the wheels are off the vehicle. This is generally the time these types of potential problems are found. Ask the adviser for measurements of components that are worn, such as the brakes, and ask if you can take a look for yourself. If you feel they are not being forthcoming with the information you need in order to make a decision, or they will not allow you to view the problem, do not approve the repair. Most reputable shops have no problem with these kinds of requests.

If you need major repairs, such as engine replacement or transmission repairs, always get a second opinion from another reputable shop. If you have built up a good relationship with your existing shop, this may not be necessary. But if this is the first time you have brought your vehicle to a new shop it’s important to get that second opinion.

If it’s not practical to move your vehicle, take the time to get “ballpark” estimates by telephone. Reputable shops understand the need for their customers to get additional quotes. It’s in their best interest to accommodate you in any way they can in order to get and keep your business.

Be Prepared

Be a knowledgeable consumer. Read your owner’s manual and be prepared for the regular wear and replacement work that will arise every few thousand miles. Keep your vehicle on its proper maintenance schedule and when larger problems arise, you are not hit unawares with a huge expense.

It costs money to own a vehicle and keep it in good repair, and it can cost more than you bargained for if you are not careful. Don’t be afraid to ask for input from others and gather as much information along the way as you can. Being prepared, you stand a much better chance of avoiding automotive repair fraud.

Sensible Guides.

Flowers will add color, beauty and inspiration to your home. Whether you buy them from your local florist, a grocery store or a farmers market, fresh cut flowers are an easy display that can transform any room. Their simple beauty has the ability add elegance to any occasion.

By taking the time to choose healthy flowers and arrange them properly, with care, you may be able to extend their life and enjoy them for much longer.

Here are a few helpful tips to get the most from your fresh cut flowers:

• As soon as possible, remove any cellophane or any other wrapping from the flowers and separate them.
• Remove any excess foliage or greenery at the bottom of the flower stem to avoid the leaves rotting below the water line.
• Choose a vase about half the height of your flowers and its important to use vases that are clean.
• Add plant food to the bottom of the vase. If there is no plant food included with the flowers you can use one teaspoon of sugar to a gallon of water and add an aspirin to help keep the water clean.
• Add water to the vase and swirl a few times to mix with the plant food. Do not fill the vase more than half full.
• Take one flower at a time and cut the stem on an angle, not straight across. This will permit better water absorption.
• Use garden shears for cutting flowers as scissors and knives can tear or damage the stem.
• Place the green foliage into the vase first when you begin your arrangement. This helps to stabilize the flower arrangement.
• When arranging your flowers, place the larger flowers in the center of your vase.
• You want your stronger, bolder colors in the center of the vase with the lighter colors on the outside. You can choose different types of flowers online but try to keep them in the same family of colors or have colors that are complimentary opposites to one another in the arrangement.
• Change the water in the vase every two to three days. Trim the stems again when you change the water to increase longevity.
• Add fresh plant food when you change the water as well. You can purchase little packets of plant food at most nurseries inexpensively. Keep a few on hand.

Flowers actually keep better in indirect light as opposed to direct bright light. And, it is best not to place flowers near heaters, vents, drafts, or on top of fridges or televisions. If the flowers appear limp, you may be able to refresh them by taking them out of the vase and place them in cold water for one hour. Remove, and gently shake off any excess water, re trim then re arrange back into your vase.

Flower arranging is an art. Let your creativity emerge and experiment using different colours, styles and containers. Ask your florist for their advise, they may be happy to give you some of their favorite tricks on presentation. Don’t forget to check out the style magazines as they will be full of design ideas.

Appreciate the beauty in your flowers with a just a little extra TLC, and it will go a long way towards your enjoyment and longevity of your arrangements.

Sensible Guides.

Breed And Background Info

You now have many choices to make, from mixed to pure breeds and where to go to choose the right kitten for you. There are so many ways to get a new kitten, it can be a bit overwhelming. The classifieds are full of people selling or giving away new kittens; shelters abound with more cats than they can handle; and you have the boutiques and breeders ready to offer exotic breeds at a premium price.

Whatever means you choose, be sure that the kitten has been well-cared for and ok’ed by a veterinarian. If possible, try to get a kitten that has been properly weaned from his mother and seems ready for a new life. You may, however, decide to adopt an abandoned or neglected kitten. In this case, the shelter will do the necessary preliminary tests and give the care needed before you bring your kitten home.

Preparing Your Home

Make sure that you have a carrier, which you will need for future veterinarian trips, and place a blanket or towel inside to make him feel more secure.

It is important that the kitten get acclimatized to his new home gradually. Keeping the kitten in one room of the house, initially, will keep him safe in this new environment. Have family members come into the room quietly and gently engage him with your voice. Make sure that the litter box is easily found and at quite a distance from the food.

Go easy on playtime with family and friends so as not to overwhelm your new kitten. Of course, make sure that the room is kitten safe, because even the smallest kitten has a knack for finding new places to hide and dangling things that can be chewed.

It may be worth considering two kittens if you plan to be out of the home for most of the day. This way they will always have constant companionship and can exercise each other far more effectively than you can. Litter mates would be ideal.

Exploring The Home

Once you sense your new kitten is ready to explore the house, do so gradually, so he can always find his way back to his litter box and food.

Kittens are naturally curious and will start exploring their new territory. Learn to tread softly around your kitten because he spooks very easily. That way you’ll build trust much faster and ensure your kitten develops a much calmer demeanor. If your kitten learns to be too nervous around you, he may develop more aggressive habits like nipping at your toes, or uses his claws to defend himself.

Once he bonds with you, he’ll follow you everywhere, frolicking, teasing and very playful. His tiny claws will be sharp, so getting a scratch pad or cat tree will keep your kitty busy filing his claws, rather than doing so on furniture and carpets.

Kittens love toys and will play for hours. Your local pet store can show you what is available but a rolled up piece of paper will work as well. Always keep an eye on any toy for strings or anything that can be swallowed. Remember they are still babies.

You can also train your kitten and teach him new tricks. There are many books on training, and its best to start with a young animal as they are already curious and active. And it’s a good way to channel some of that natural energy.

Encourage A Desirable Behavior And Routine

One of the most proactive things you can do for your kitten is to have him or her spayed or neutered before 6 months. This will reduce any territorial spraying, and aggressiveness in males, and, of course, help to control the cat population.

Your choice of litter is also important. Don’t buy the clumping kind when your cat is less than 6 months old, as they may inadvertently lick the clumps off their paws and create a digestive blockage.

Clean your litter box daily, as cats have a highly developed sense of hygiene. And be sure the type of litter is agreeable to them. Cats also like privacy, so a covered box may be preferable, as well as contain any fresh odors. Watch for his preference, it will become evident soon enough.

Don’t forget to brush your kitten regularly, as this is critical for his physical and emotional well-being. It’ll also give you a chance to check out for any cuts or fur clumps. In nature, cats groom each other regularly. It’s something they naturally enjoy.

Proper Nutrition

Having good quality food is also paramount to a cat’s health and demeanor. Cats can be very finicky, so you may need to try a few varieties to find their favorites. Sticking with the highest quality food will prevent many health problems later on, and ensure a beautiful, shiny coat. Give your kitten wet food regularly, twice a day at first. This will keep down the frequency of hairballs.

After the first initial series of shots, remember to keep a yearly vet appointment in order to keep the necessary shots up to date and to head off any problem areas. You will also need to verify your animals medical records if you ever need to have your kitten groomed or kenneled bored for any length of time

Getting a new kitten can be a joy for the whole family. With plenty of love and care you can plan on enjoying a beautiful friendship for a good 14 years and with luck, even longer.

Sensible Guides.

If you have exhausted all non surgical treatments to help you stop snoring without much success, you and your doctor may determine that surgery could be your best option. There are several types of surgery available to correct this condition and many have very good results depending on where your problem lies.

The main goal of these surgeries are to decrease any obstructions in your air passages and enlarge your airways in order to increase airflow. With increased airflow, breathing is easier and snoring will decrease significantly if not be completely eliminated. Some may need more than one treatment and others can be a permanent repair.

If you have been diagnosed with a deviated septum, you may get relief with nasal surgery otherwise known as Rhinoplasty or as we know it, a nose job. Under general anesthetic the cartilage in your nose that had been misaligned will be straitened which will enlarged your airway.

This has become a routine outpatient surgery and though there is some discomfort while healing, the long term effects are worthwhile.

Palatopharyngoplasty or PPP is a surgery where a surgeon will remove excessive tissue from your tonsils, uvula, and soft palate to provide additional room for air to flow and to reduces the amount of tissue within the throat. Though this surgery is largely successful, 50% of patients may need to undergo the procedure again within 2-5 years.

Another option is laser-assisted Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP. The surgeon uses a laser to decrease the length of the uvula and remove parts of the palate.

While Palatopharyngoplasty is preformed under general anesthetic, Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty only requires a local anesthetic. Again, though the results are effective, there is the possibility of a recurrence of snoring within a few years.

Any kind of surgery is generally a last attempt if normal treatments have failed and with all the medical advancements we have at our disposal today, it is worth some serious consideration.

Talk to your doctor and do some research, a couple of hours in your surgeon’s office may make all the difference in finally getting a good night sleep for all.

Sensible Guides.

To the serious cooks, how often have you complained about your knife’s dullness or even promised yourself to sharpen it later. Too often to count? I thought so.

Sharpen The Dullness

Dull knifes are not only useless, but downright dangerous, especially to the casual and often careless cook. And you know who you are. I myself was guilty of slicing into a finger or two because I applied unusually hard pressure to a dull knife. And, it unpredictably gave way, slicing my finger.

Most people don’t know how to take proper care of their knives because they are too frequently in a hurry or they are intimidated by the idea of sharpening a knife.  In order to get the most out of the best tools a cook can have, it’s essential to know how to maintain them in peak condition.

One of the most effective and least expensive knife sharpening tools you can own is the whetting stone.  For those of you who already have one, do me a favor and print out this post. Bring it to the kitchen with you as you get out your whetting stone. For those if you who do not own a whetting stone, you can purchase one at your nearest hardware store for just a few dollars.

Using a Whetting Stone

The Whetting Stone is a rectangular-shaped brick that has both a rough side and a fine side. Many experts agree that it should be rubbed lightly with oil before each use and then stored in a box, as dust and dirt can interfere with the stone’s sharpening ability.

When sharpening knives, it is important to do so at the recommended angle of about 22 degrees (that’s 22 degrees towards vertical from the flat surface of the stone).

1. Set the stone (rough side on top) on a flat surface.

2.  Run the knife across the stone about 7-10 times at the angle of 22 degrees. Turn the knife over and sharpen the other side in the same manner.

3. Then, flip the stone over to its finer side and repeat step 2.

If you still feel too intimidated to use the basic whetting stone, then there are other fail-safe tools that you might find easier to use. You can use either manual or electric sharpeners, where you insert the knife into a pre-determined slotted angle. Electric sharpeners do cost more, so that is a factor to consider as well.

Honing The Knife

No matter which method you decide you are most comfortable with, it is essential that you finish the job off with a knife steel, also called a sharpening steel. Running the knife along the sides of the sharpening steel (also called honing the knife) will remove any rough edges or burrs that can be left after the stone sharpening is done.

Maintenance Routine

To keep your knives in excellent shape, be sure to sharpen your knives about once a month, and hone them before or after each use.  If you do this, your knives will give you years of great culinary and safer kitchen service.

Sensible Guides.