2013 Archives - 86/166 - Talk Local Blog

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Sunday, June 9th, 2013

Pets are too curious for their own good. They may accidentally ingest something detrimental to their health. We recommend taking your cat to a vet for any health issues. However, you can induce vomiting in your cat to rid it of the foreign or harmful object. Keep reading to learn how to make a cat throw up.

Hydrogen Peroxide

This is the safest way to induce vomiting in your cat. Give your cat one teaspoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide per five pounds of body weight every ten minutes. You may give a maximum of three teaspoons at a time. Do this until your cat throws up. Try using a baby syringe to inject the hydrogen peroxide in the cat’s mouth.

If you do not have hydrogen peroxide, INSTEAD use…

Syrup of Ipecac

Syrup of Ipecac is also effective in making your cat throw up. Do not mistake Syrup of Ipecac for Ipecac Fluid Extract, which is much stronger. Give the cat one teaspoon of Ipecac syrup per ten pounds of body weight. Do this only once and wait for your cat to vomit. Giving a cat more than the recommended dose could have toxic effects.

When to NOT Induce Vomiting

Do not make a cat throw up if it has ingested a sharp object, any petroleum product, an acid or alkali-based chemical, or a household cleaning product. If your cat is unconscious, do not try to make it throw up. If you do not know what your cat has ingested, do not make it vomit. Call your veterinarian immediately.

Find A Veterinarian For Your Pet Emergency

If you are looking for a veterinarian to treat your cat, TalkLocal can help connect you with quality, local vets. Simply enter our website and provide us with a brief description of your problem, your availability, and where you are located. You can expect a call from top veterinarians in minutes. Try Seva Call today!

Posted in Veterinarians | No Comments »

What Are Basting Stitches?

Sunday, June 9th, 2013

When sewing, you will encounter several types of stitches. Some of these stitches serve a structural purpose in holding clothing items together, while others are simply used to add a decorative touch. One of the most important and most used stitches is the basting stitch.

What are basting stitches? Read on to find out.

What Are Basting Stitches?

A basting stitch is a wide and loose stitch that is mainly used to hold fabric together for a short period of time. Seamstresses may use a basting stitch to hold a hem or zipper in place before it is sewn by hand or with a machine.

They are also used to hold gathered pieces of fabric such as those used in sleeves or ruffles. The basting stitch is one of the easiest stitches to master and is one of the first stitches that a beginner seamstress is taught. Since the stitch is only temporary and is removed right before or after the fabric is sewn permanently, it’s a very forgiving stitch.

How Do You Create Basting Stitches?

Most people prefer to make basting stitches by hand because they are so easy and quick to create. If you are still wondering “What are basting stitches?” you may want to use your machine to see for yourself.

Many sewing machines have basting stitch settings on them. Just turn the knob or press the button that indicates the stitch you want and your machine will create it for you. After you have finished sewing it with the machine, take a closer look at the stitch and you will see how simple it really is.

If you are new to sewing and wondering what are basting stitches, you are not alone. They can seem confusing to many beginners at first. Once you see how a stitch is made and what it looks like when it is finished, you will be able to complete it yourself and be on your way to creating amazing sewn crafts.

Finding A Local Tailor

If you need alterations to your clothing but can’t pull them off on your own, use TalkLocal to find a local tailor. We make the search process easy, and connect you with service professionals in a matter of minutes.

Tags: clothing alteration, craft, sewing, stitching
Posted in Tailors | No Comments »

Types Of Paint Solvents

Sunday, June 9th, 2013

Paint solvents are used to thin out paint or remove it from brushes, rollers, and other tools. There are many different types of paint solvents available, and each one works differently.

Some are best suited for certain surfaces, like glass or metal, and others are versatile and can be used on anything. No matter what types of paint solvents you use, be sure to wear gloves and a mask at all times. Solvents can burn your hands and breathing in the fumes can be harmful to your lungs.

Acetone

Acetone is one of the most common paint solvents available. It is clear and has no color. It does, however, have a very strong smell. Many products such as nail polish remover have acetone in them. Although acetone should not be swallowed or inhaled, it is produced naturally by many animals and humans.

Xylene

Xylene is a type of paint thinner that works well with slow-drying paints and lacquers. Xylene is a very strong chemical and is even used in some pesticides. Be very careful when handling it and keep it far away from children and animals at all times.

Turpentine

Turpentine is one of the most popular types of paints solvents available. It can be made from pine trees or crude oil and is extremely flammable. If turpentine is splashed in your eyes, it can cause redness and severe burning. Be sure to wear safety glasses when handling this solvent and store it away from direct heat and power outlets.

If you paint often, you know how handy paint solvents can be. They are not only a convenient way to clean your tools and any paint spills, they can also be used to create a desired color or painting effect. Try the these different solvents to see which one works best for you, and remember to handle them with care.

Find Professional Painters In Your Area

If you want to just trust these strong chemicals in the hands of professionals, you will need to find a painter in your local area. TalkLocal‘s innovative new service makes this easy. Visit our website and detail the services you need. We will connect you with only professionals who are qualified to help with your specific issue. Did we mention it’s completely free?

Tags: paint solvents, painting
Posted in Painters, talklocal | No Comments »

Best Laptop Brands 2013

Saturday, June 8th, 2013

If you are in the market to purchase a new laptop this year, you will be overwhelmed by the wide selection. With so many companies and manufacturers throwing their hats in the ring, it might be tough to decipher which are the best laptop brands 2013.

Based on what are projected to be some of the hottest selling laptops of the year, here is a list of brands that might present some products worth your consideration. Of course, each user will be using their laptop for their own specific purpose, so make sure to do your own research to determine which laptop best suits your needs.

Apple

Not only did Apple have a hit on its hands with the MacBook Pro, but this company is at the top of the list for best laptop brands of 2013 because it produces what many consider to be the best laptop bar-none. The MacBook Air 13-inch, at just three pounds heavy and 0.68 inches thick, is incredibly mobile but has some monstrous computing power. Equipped with OS X Mountain Lion, this laptop sports superior design and is easy to use.

The only drawback to this, and other Apple products, is that they do not offer a wide range of laptops and they all come at a pretty hefty price. However, consumers are willing to fork it over because these laptops are held in such high regard.

Dell

This year might be one where Dell makes a push to regain its footing as one of the frontrunners in laptops. Heck, they might shake out to be one of the best laptop brands of 2013 with their Inspiron 15. Using an Ivy Bridge Core i5-3337U processor, the Inspiron 15 is quick and comes with a very manageable price tag.

Dell has always been a favorite among laptop users because their machines are perfect for customizing. That will continue to be a major draw this year.

Lenovo

Unlike Apple, Lenovo’s product line is as extensive as it gets. From multimedia laptops (IdeaPad Y500) to hybrid laptops (IdeaPad Yoga 13), Lenovo covers just about every need. This allows users to trust in this one brand no matter what they are in the market for.

As a bonus, Lenovo comes at a lower price tag.

Looking For Computer Repair Help?

It’s certainly not uncommon for users to encounter issues with their laptops and other computer equipment. If a problem like this stumps you, do not hesitate to visit TalkLocal. We are able to connect you with local computer repair professionals who can help you work through the problem. Our service is completely free.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

How To Remove Scratches From A Windshield

Saturday, June 8th, 2013

You probably already know to get a hold of an auto glass repair specialist when your windshield sustains a crack or chip. But what about more minor imperfections? This is where knowing how to remove scratches from a windshield comes in handy.

Your windshield can acquire scratches a number of ways, whether they are from you scraping it with an ice scraper during the winter or from general debris out on the road. These scratches do not need to be professionally repaired. You can erase these yourself if you have the proper tools. You can also take steps to avoid this and maintain your windshield.

There are a number of glass polishing products that can be the answer to how to remove scratches from a windshield. With one of these products in hand, the process is quite simple.

How To Remove Scratches From A Windshield

1. If your polishing substance did not come with a sponge or rag to apply it with, find one to use. You can also get a motorized polishing tool that helps you buff out scratches with minimal effort.

2. Follow the directions on the glass polish. Often, these products need to be mixed with a certain amount of water in order to dilute it.

3. Apply the polish to the scratched area of the windshield. If the scratches are minimal and tough to spot, make sure you take a mental note of their location before you start.

4. Continue to work the solution into the scratches until they disappear. Glass polish might not be able to erase scratches that are especially large or deep. The best you can do in this situation is to try your best to fade the scratch as much as possible.

Once you are done polishing away scratches in your windshield, you can purchase other products that protect the surface of your windshield to ensure that you will not acquire future scratches.

Contact Auto Glass Repair Specialists

Just because you know how to remove scratches from a windshield doesn’t mean you will never need the help of an auto glass repair professional. When you do, find one immediately with TalkLocal. You won’t have to spend time scouring the Internet or phonebook.

Posted in Auto Glass Repair | No Comments »

Cost Of A New Dryer

Saturday, June 8th, 2013

Most people have a dryer in their home. Having your own dryer means you do not have to spend a lot of money drying your clothes at the Laundromat or hang them on a clothesline to dry. If you are looking to buy your first dryer or need to replace a broken one that is beyond repair, you may be wondering about the cost of a new dryer. There are several things that determine the cost. Here are a few of them.

Size

Much of what determines the cost of a new dryer is the size. Dryers that are larger and capable of drying larger loads of clothing are more expensive than smaller ones. Stackable washers and dryers tend to be more compact but can handle more clothing at a time. Remember, a larger dry will likely use more energy and cost you more on your electric bills. Consider this as part of the cost of a dryer.

Brand

Well-known brands are often more expensive than the lesser-known ones. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are better or the right choice for you. Many people choose to pay more for a well-known brand because they own other appliances of the same brand and know they can trust it. If you want a certain brand, decide if you are willing to pay more for it or if you want to take a chance on a lesser-known and lower-priced dryer.

Features

Features are one of the biggest factors which determine the cost of a new dryer. The more features the dryer has, the more expensive it will be. Decide which features you want on your dryer and which ones are worth paying extra for.

If you are like most people, you will use your dryer often. Since dryers are expensive, it is worth the extra money to get the one you want. Consider the three major factors above when deciding how much you will pay for your new dryer.

What If My Dryer Breaks?

Even newer dryers can act up, leaving you at the mercy of an appliance repair professional. Don’t be stuck searching for one in the phonebook. TalkLocal is an amazing new tool that lets you find local professionals of all industries quickly and for free. Give it a try.

Posted in Appliances Repair | No Comments »

How To Reface Your Cabinets

Saturday, June 8th, 2013

If your cabinets are looking old and worn, but you are also on a tight budget, fight the urge to replace them. Learning how to reface your cabinets can have them looking new and allows you to update the look of your home.

Here is a quick crash course on how to reface your cabinets.

Disassemble all cabinet doors and drawers: This is somewhat of a painstaking process as you also must remove all of the hardware, like cabinet door hinges or drawer handles. Make sure you keep all components of your cabinet doors and drawers in order so that you know how to reassemble them easily.

Sand and fix any divots: Sand the cabinets to make sure the surface is smooth. If you encounter any gouges or divots, simply fill those in with wood putty.

Install wood veneer: Applying this thin coating of decorative wood can instantly transform the aesthetics of your cabinets. To do this, coat the area you are veneering with a light layer of wood glue. You can hold the veneers in place by using brads that are set in place with a nail gun. You can also purchase wood veneer tape to help speed up the process of veneering the edges of cabinet doors. Make sure all the veneer is trimmed accordingly and runs flush with the cabinets, doors, and drawers.

Applying stain: Once the veneer is in place, you can go to work staining your cabinets. You can use either an old rag or a brush for this job. Start staining in the tight, harder to reach places that require most precision. These will be harder to reach if you started staining the large areas first. Give all components of your cabinets significant time to dry.

Reassembling cabinets: After the cabinets are completely dry, you can reinstall the hardware and put the cabinets back together. This is where your method of sorting the disassembled cabinet parts comes in handy.

Finding A Local Resource

While it might seem like a quick and easy process, a lot of precision is required in learning how to reface your cabinets and make them look good. There are a number of professionals that are trained in this art and reface cabinets regularly. Now, with TalkLocal, they are easy to find. Just log on to our website and type in what you’re looking for. We will do the rest.

Tags: cabinetry, reface cabinets, remodel
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

Prohibited Materials In A Dumpster

Saturday, June 8th, 2013

When you have a lot of stuff to dispose of, it’s sometimes easier to just toss it all in a dumpster and move on. Maybe you have even rented a dumpster so you can easily dispose of waste from a project. Although disposing of materials in a dumpster is easy, it’s not always okay. There are some prohibited materials in a dumpster you should know about.

Some prohibited materials in a dumpster include:

Electronics

Don’t put electronics in a dumpster. Electronic items have chemicals and parts that are incredibly detrimental to the environment. When you put something in a dumpster, it’s typically tossed in a landfill for the rest of eternity until it breaks down and decomposes. Electronics can’t really decompose, and their parts actually poison the environment.

Instead, you need to recycle or properly dispose of your electronics. A lot of public businesses can help with this. If you have an old car battery, computer, television, or similar waste, try taking it to a store that sells the same type of item. They’ll often be able to recycle it for you, either for free or for a small fee. Some establishments even pay a few bucks for you to recycle these items. It’s not so bad on your pocket book and it’s wonderful for the Earth.

Batteries

They are really small, but they are serious business. Batteries contain acids and chemicals that hurt the environment. Although they don’t contain mercury as they once did, they still hold a cocktail of chemicals and unnatural fluids. Rechargeable batteries are, by far, the most dangerous to toss in a landfill.

You can recycle these, too. Most local recycling centers offer battery recycling. If not, you can take your batteries and rechargeable batteries to a number of retailers, who will recycle them for you.

Furniture Or Large Appliances

No, you can’t toss that busted washing machine or your stained and smelly couch in your dumpster. They’re too heavy and oftentimes they really screw things up for the garbage collectors.

Instead, you can try to recycle them, either as a whole or for scraps. If that doesn’t work, you need to call your local garbage collectors to have these items removed. Oftentimes, counties will have a “free dump,” day where you can drop off whatever you have at a certain location and they’ll take care of it for free.

Finding Local Garbage Removal Services Is Easy

Properly disposing of these items is very important. Tossing them in a dumpster won’t work out well for you or the Earth. If you have more questions, or need to speak with a garbage removal professional near you, TalkLocal can make the connection for you.

Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

Best Type Of Mulch

Friday, June 7th, 2013

Mulch is a great way to protect the roots of plants and give your flowerbed or garden a neat and tidy appearance. There are many different types of mulch available, and each one has a different look and protects your plants in different ways. As spring creeps in, now might be the perfect time to mulch your lawn.

First, it is important to consider the benefits of each one before you decide which is the best type of mulch for your yard.

Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch is durable and made from recycled tires and other rubber products. It does not break down in your garden over time and is not washed away easily with rain or snow. Because rubber mulch lasts a long time and stays looking like new, it is the popular choice for many gardeners. Rubber mulch can be expensive, though, so make sure the benefits outweigh the costs.

Wood Mulch

Wood mulch is the most common type of mulch used and can be purchased from most home improvement stores. It is affordable and comes in many different colors and types of wood. Wood mulch allows water to drain well around the plants so they get the amount that they need. It is durable but can also be moved or washed away with heavy rain.

Compost Mulch

Compost mulch may not be much to look at but it can make your plants healthy. Because it is free, many people believe compost mulch is the best type of mulch. You can make your own compost mulch out of grass, hay, and decomposing plant matter. As the compost decomposes, the nutrients in it are fed to the plants. Compost mulch doesn’t only protect the plants, it actually helps them grow bigger and stronger.

Need More Advice?

When trying to find the best type of mulch for your flowerbed, be sure to compare the different options. Any mulch will help protect your plants from the cold and harsh weather and, if you can find mulch that offers even more benefits, stick with it. Professional landscapers from your local area are always ready and willing to lend their knowledge. To connect with one, use TalkLocal. You will be talking on the phone with a qualified professional in a matter of minutes.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Self Storage Climate Control

Friday, June 7th, 2013

You probably have a wide variety of things you wouldn’t mind storing outside of your home or office. In a culture centered on clutter, you are certainly not alone. Self storage units are perfect for such scenarios. For a small fee, you have access to off-premises storage space in which you can stow things you do not often use.

However, some things you are looking to store might require a certain environment, especially regarding the temperature. Whether it is photographs or paintings, to food and wine, some items can be spoiled or ruined with extreme temperatures. That is where self storage climate control comes in.

While storage facilities which offer climate control might be a hair more expensive, they give you peace of mind that your valuables are not frying or freezing in harsh temperatures.

Risks Of Storing Items In Extreme Temperatures

If your storage facility is consistently too hot or cold, you could run the risk of:

– Mold and mildew growth

– Damage to items, like cracking or warping due to melting

– Freezing

– Rust

– Corrosion

What Is The Ideal Temperature?

Self storage climate control might not even be necessary in some areas. A storage unit with climate control can be programmed to maintain temperatures between roughly 60 and 80 degrees. This is achieved through a central air system like you would find in your home.

If you live in a climate where it doesn’t get too hot and does not often freeze, you might in the clear. Because that weather certainly sounds too good to be true, most people still could benefit from such a storage facility.

Some Things That Should Be Kept In Self Storage Climate Control

More items than you might think require a certain temperature. Here are just a few:

– Valuable family heirlooms

– Paintings

– Food

– Some clothing

– Photos

– Electronic equipment (TVs, DVD players, digital cameras, etc.)

Having Trouble Finding A Facility?

Not all storage facilities offer climate control. Don’t worry, TalkLocal will help you instantly skip over those that don’t and connect you with those that do. The search process no longer has to take you days. Try it now!

Posted in Moving and Storage | 1 Comment »

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