Here are three landscaping tips for beginners:

1. Don’t overdo it. Some people are under the impression that more is better – this is not the case when it comes to landscaping. A minimalist approach can go a long way.

2. Buy the right tools. There is nothing worse than trying to landscape your yard without the necessary tools and supplies. While they may cost a little bit of money, in the long run it will go a long way.

3. Ask for help. Do you have a spouse? If so, ask them to lend you some assistance. He/she does not have to do any manual labor. Maybe they can just tell you what looks good and what doesn’t. It is always nice to have somebody else on board if you don’t have much landscaping experience.

These three tips should help you better landscape your yard regardless of how much experience you have.

Mumbai, India

photo credit:

Quite simply, the largest city in the world.  Mumbai is arguably better known by its original name, “Bombay”.  The city is the commercial and entertainment center of India.  It houses numerous corporate headquarters, India’s main stock exchanges, and it is also the hub of India’s Film and Television industry (also known as “Bollywood”).  The population density of the city is estimated at 22,000 people per square kilometer.  Unfortunately, roughly 60% of the population lives in slums.  Total Population: 13,922,125

Shanghai, China

photo credit: Marc van der Chijs

The largest city in China, second largest in the world, Shanghai is also the largest cargo port in the world.  Located at the mouth of the Yangtze river, Shanghai has existed as a market town for almost a thousand years.  Although not necessarily the most politically important city in China, its significance as an economic power-house for the Chinese government can not be understated.  Today, it is China’s largest center of finance and culture.  It is also a popular tourist destination for those wishing to vacation in the east. Total Population: 13,831,900

Karachi, Pakistan

photo credit: Muhammad Adnan Asim ( linkadnan ) # 1

By far, this is the most prominent city in Pakistan as well as its financial capital.  The city is home to Pakistan’s largest corporations and also its main seaport.  Suffice to say, it is the largest city in the country.  The area has a history going all the way back beyond Alexander the Great, who is said to have camped here.  The present day city as we know it began as a fishing settlement that grew into a village.  That village became a trading hub and has grown ever since.  Total Population: 12,991,000

Delhi, India

photo credit: chathika

Not to be confused with “New Delhi”, the capital of India, which lies to the south, Delhi the “old city” has been a site of human habitation for up to 3000 years.  Throughout the millenniums, the area has found itself under many different rulers and gone by many different names.  Today, the city is a prominent metropolis.  Migration has been the primary reason for its astounding growth, and it is still growing today. Total Population: 12,259,230

Istanbul, Turkey

photo credit: John Picken

Few cities on Earth could claim to contain as much history as Istanbul.  This becomes evident when one takes into account Istanbul’s former name, Constantinople.  When people discuss “The Fall of the Roman Empire” what they most often mean is the fall of the western half of the empire.  The eastern half, renamed the Byzantine Empire, survived until 1453.  Its capital?  Constantinople.  The city was finally overthrown by the Turks in 1453, renamed Istanbul, and made capital of the Ottoman empire.  Today, it is as bustling city that straddles the border between Europe and Asia.   Total Population: 11,372,613

Sao Paulo, Brazil

photo credit: Silvio Tanaka

Quite simply, this is the highest populated city in the entire southern hemisphere. Sao Paulo became an official city in 1711 and flourished under to the coffee trade as an exporter.  When coffee prices plummeted around the turn of the 20^th century, the city would find itself in an economic bind.  With imports hampered due to World War II, Sao Paulo finally began a strong push towards industrialization.  Today the city thrives with an economy based mostly on service industries.  Total Population: 11,037,593

Moscow, Russia

photo credit: Bernt Rostad

Named after the river where it is found, Moscow, the capital of Russia, has a history of surviving, even after it has fallen.  In fact, one might even say that Moscow is one of the most resilient cities on Earth.  The earliest references to Moscow date back to the middle ages.  For the next few hundred years, the city would fight numerous battles against the Tartars and even be burnt to the ground, only to rise again.  Although the city was a “capital” throughout much of this time, from 1712 to 1917 the capital of Russia moved to St. Petersburg.  In the 20^th century, it would again prove its resilience against the Nazis.  Today it is a bustling, modern metropolis.  Total Population: 10,508,971

Seoul, Korea

photo credit: giladr

Originally established as a settlement in 18 BC, Seoul became a capital early in the Joseon Dynasty, which began in 1392.  In the 20^th century, the city was almost entirely destroyed in the Korean War, but the city was rapidly rebuilt during the aftermath.  Today, the city boasts one of the most technologically advanced infrastructures anywhere.  The city’s broadband internet penetration is the highest in the world.  The network is also 100Mbps in speed, and scheduled for an upgrade to 1Gbps by 2012.  Suffice to say, this is substantially faster than most of the world, including the United States. Total Population: 10,456,034

It may surprise some that not a single city in the United States, or even Europe (with the exception of transcontinental Turkey) made it onto the list. The largest would have been New York City, ranking in at #13.  That said, one could argue this is only due to a technicality.  The western world tends to keep its “cities proper” within rather tight borders.  Were this a list of “metropolitan areas” based on population, New York City would be fourth, above Mumbai itself, with Tokyo, Seoul, and Mexico City taking first, second, and third respectively.  All of this complexity arises from one central problem, “How does one define a city?”

Replica Materials

Rather than paying a ton for actual hardwood flooring or stone tiles, look for inexpensive alternatives that look almost as good as the originals. Try laminate flooring and ceramic tiles and look for other ways to get inexpensive alternatives.

DIY

Wherever and whenever possible do the work yourself. From painting walls to refinishing furniture, your own elbow grease can save huge amounts of cash.

Cover Up

Rather than replacing some items see if there’s a cover up option. Rather than replacing cabinets you can refinish or reface them. Don’t replace furniture but buy fitted slipcovers. Leave the worn flooring in place but add a large area rug.

Look to the Details

Spend a little more on the details such as drawer pulls and faucets as the details often make the entire object seem more expensive and valuable.

Reclaimed or Second Hand

Previously used items can often have a luxurious appeal as their patina lends a bit of loved and lived in ambience. Look for quality second hand items or reclaimed pieces that can be used as is or modified to your needs. Also you can find great deals on custom items that other people decided they didn’t actually want in the end.

1. Have a budget and stick to it even if you are tempted to stray. You have to know what you can afford to spend, and then use this number to cap your search. If you don’t look at homes that are out of your price range you will never consider buying one.

2. You don’t have to get everything you want. Sure, you want the best of the best but this comes with a high price tag. If you are willing to give up some things you can save a lot of money. Just make sure you are giving up things that you can live without.

3. Location, location, location. When buying a vacation home the location you choose will have a lot to do with the price you pay. For instance, a condo that sits directly on the beach will cost much more than a similar one that sits back three streets. Adjust the location you are interested in until you find the right home in the right price range.

The main reason that now is a good time to buy a second home is because the real estate market is soft. In other words, prices are low and competition is not nearly as high as it was in the past. This means that you should be able to dicker with the seller and end up with a great deal.

Additionally, there are quite a few foreclosures on the market. This gives you the chance to buy a great property at an even lower price. It is unfortunate that so many homes are being taken back by the bank, but as a buyer this can really work out in your favor.

Now do you see why so many people are buying second/vacation homes? Are you going to join them? Only you know if now is the right time to search for a second property.

photo credit: pnwra

The first thing you must do to be safe is know your money situation. How much can you comfortably spend on your vacation home? This is the maximum number that you want to spend. You may not want to get anywhere close to this number so that you can save money and hedge the risk of not being able to afford the property should something happen.

It is important to be safe with your money, but this is not the only thing that you have to do. You also want to exercise caution when it comes to the property itself. Are you going to have your vacation home inspected before buying? You really should. Again, this will make you safe and will take out the risk of buying something that is “broke” and/or not up to your standards.

The safer you are when buying a vacation home the better off you will be. Start by knowing how much you can spend, and as you move forward be sure to thoroughly check out any property you are interested in. As you get rid of risk you increase your chance of being 100 percent happy with your purchase.

Window treatments can often set the mood for your home or a room. If you want to keep your home looking fresh and updated changing your window treatments often is one simple way to make a big impression.

Go Minimal

One of the big trends in window treatments is minimal. The heavy drape of the past with loads of swag and layers of ruffles is outdated and fussy by today’s standards. Look for simple straight lines and less fabric. If you think straight lines are too boring you can still incorporate a printed fabric to give it more visual interest.

Organic Colors

Use window treatment colors that are current and trendy, no country blues and pinks, instead look for colors that are inspired by nature. Organic is the hot word in food and decorating so look for colors that have a vibrancy found in nature with colors inspired by the world around you.

Let There be Light

Light blocking shades have become popular in bedrooms but not the rest of the home. Keep your window treatments light enough to let natural light through or clean enough that you can move aside to take advantage of light during the day.

Basically today’s trends in window treatments are aimed at brightening and lightening up a room. Heavy, insulating curtains and drapes are no longer the trend in home decorating. Dark and synthetic colors are also out as nature inspired organics take over.

photo credit: Posh Living, LLC

1. Clean the countertop thoroughly.
2. Sand the surface with 150 grit paper then clean it again to remove any dust.
3. Prime the surface with a flash bond acrylic primer that is designed to cover gloss or high gloss surfaces.
4. Reprime the surface. (That’s right – second coat of primer)
5. Paint the surface with your selected color in a satin or semi-gloss. Let that coat dry completely before adding another coat. Use as many coats as necessary to get the look you want.
6. Complete the job with a few coats of clear acrylic, allowing each coat to dry before you add the next one.

One key consideration is that the curing time after the counter is primed, painted and the acrylic applied is about three weeks. Although your countertop will feel dry to the touch its still not appropriately cured until this time has passed. You’ll also never be able to scour the surface with an abrasive as it will scratch the acrylic layer.

You can repaint the countertop in the future using the same technique, starting all over at step one.

Empire State Building

photo credit: Joel Bedford

We’ll start with the big one, literally.  As of now, the Empire State Building is the tallest building in New York City, the third tallest building in the United States, and the tenth tallest in the world.  These facts are even more impressive when one considers that the mighty Empire State building was completed all the way back in 1931.  When it was completed, the Empire State Building stood as the tallest building in the world for over 40 years until the original World Trade Center’s north tower was completed in 1972.  Following the tragic events of 9/11, however, the Empire State Building once again stands as the tallest building within the New York City Skyline.  Height: 1,250 ft.

Bank of America Tower

Image Via Wikipedia

Having just been completed, this is the newest skyscraper to grace the skyline of New York City.  The building is one of the greenest skyscrapers in the world, and the first ever to attain a Platinum LEED Certification.  The building sports its own electric cogeneration plant to help supply a portion of its necessary electricity.  The building also features an extensive greywater system utilizing rain and used sink water for purposes such as toilets.  This building is a masterpiece of environmental design.  Height: 1,200 ft.

Chrysler Building

photo credit: matt semel

The first man-made structure to ever stand at more than 1000 feet, the Chrysler building stood as the world’s tallest building for less than a year before it was surpassed by the Empire State Building.  Despite this, the building is still the tallest steel supported brick structure anywhere.  The building also features the epitome of Art Deco design.  As the name implies, it was originally owned by the Chrysler family, famous for their line of automobiles.  The gargoyles around the exterior of the building, are actually replicas of Chrysler hood ornaments.  To this day, the Chrysler Building is considered one of the most popular skyscrapers among New Yorkers.  Height: 1,046 ft.

New York Times Building

photo credit: Kevin Prichard

As the name suggests, this is the headquarters of the New York Times, which also happens to run The Boston Globe as well as several other regional newspapers.  The building was completed only recently, in 2007.  The building considers itself green, although it admittedly can not hold a candle to the Bank of American Tower (at this point in time, no one can).  That being said, the building also features its own cogeneration electrical plant as well as a lighting system that requires 30% less energy.  90% of the building’s steel came from recycled material.  The building’s design gives it the appearance of something out of the movie, “Blade Runner”.  Height: 1,046 ft.

American International Building

photo credit: epicharmus

The name might not sound familiar, but it is.  The building is named after its current owner, the American International Group.  Still not sound familiar?  They typically go by their acronym, AIG.  Suffice to say, a sale is currently pending and AIG will vacate the building by the end of 2010.  The building, originally known as the “Cities Service Building” was built during the skyscraper race of the 1930’s which explains its resemblance to the Empire State Building and other skyscrapers built at the time.  Height: 952 ft.

40 Wall Street

photo credit: C R

Originally known as the “Bank of Manhattan Trust Building”, this building is now known as the “Trump Building”.  It was the tallest in the world for only one month until the Chrysler Building was completed.  They intended on holding the record longer, but it turned out the developers of the Chrysler building had secretly changed their plans to ensure their building would be taller.  40 Wall street was later indirectly purchased by Ferdinand E. Marcos, the late president of the Philippines.  The building went into limbo when Marcos was overthrown.  In 1995 the building was purchased by Donald Trump for supposedly $1 million.  It has since been revitalized.  Height: 927 ft.

Citigroup Center

photo credit: Alexandros Maragos

This skyscraper is famous for it’s iconic 45 degree angled roof, easily spotted along the New York City Skyline.  It is also famous for almost potentially collapsing.  During the towers construction, the building’s design was changed to call for bolted joints instead of welded joints.  The structural engineer realized, after the fact, that having made this change, 70mph quarter winds could potentially knock the building over.  Faced with this crisis, the engineer ultimately approached Citicorp and alerted them to the problem.  Over a period of three months, the joints were welded over.  Today, the structure is perfectly sound.  Height: 915 ft.

1 World Trade Center

Proposed One World Trade Center

Although not yet complete, this one deserves an honorable mention for several reasons.  This is the main building of the new World Trade Center.  Most have probably already heard of it by its other name “Freedom Tower”.  Once complete, however, its official name will indeed be “1 World Trade Center”.  The roof of the tower will be 1,368 feet, the same height as the original “One World Trade Center”.  If the spire is included (as it usually is in official measurements), the total height of the new world trade center will be a patriotic 1,776 feet signifying the year the United States came into existence.  Completion of the tower has been estimated from anywhere between 2013 to 2018.  Height: 1,776 ft.

The skyscrapers of New York City are awe-inspiring feats of architecture and engineering.  Small wonder then why New York City continues to have one of the absolute most beautiful skylines in the world.

Renting out your vacation home is not as simple as it sounds, but at the same time it is far from complicated. Obviously, you can only do this when you are not in town. If you live far from your vacation home you can hire a property management company to handle everything from checking in tenants to keeping your home clean and much more. Yes, you pay a fee but this allows you to be “hands off” for the most part.

Finding tenants is the most difficult part of the process for most vacation home owners. You can do this on your own and/or with the help of a property management company – if you are working with one. The more you rent out your property the more money you are going to make.

If you are not making money with your vacation home you should at least consider this opportunity.