Before You Go Out Of Town

Many of us will be going away for the holidays.  Here are some tips to make your home more burglar proof: ~~Put your newspaper and mail on hold ~~Put your lights on a timer Also leave the light over the stove on all the time, as the kitchen is one room that tends to have lights on the most. ~~Leave a stereo on a talk radio station ~~Drapes There is some debate about leaving drapes open or closed. Some maintain that by closing them you indicate that you are not at home. Others feel that by leaving them open in order to look like you are at home you invite look-ins by potential burglars. Still others recommend a combination, leaving some open (that look into rooms where there is little of value) while closing others (those that look into what should be occupied rooms.) A nice compromise is to leave upstairs curtains open while first floor drapes shut. Whatever your decision remove expensive and inviting items from view from outside the window. ~~Park your car in the drive way This is another debated tactic. Some highly recommend it to make it look like someone is home. Others maintain that a car that doesn't move is a tip off. Still others recommend offering your neighbor a place to park. ~~Padlock all gates Make your backyard inaccessible. Padlocking your gates when you are at home can be inconvenient, but the advantages of doing it while you are on vacation are great. It not only makes getting into the  backyard more difficult (not impossible mind you, just difficult), but it seriously hinders getting out while carrying items like stereos and computers. This difficulty level serves as a strong deterrent. ~~Let a neighbor know where you are going and leave a contact number and a key ~~Make sure all doors and windows are locked before you leave.  Make sure the alarm system is armed As obvious as this may sound, quite often in the rush to get out the door this can be overlooked.

Best Black Friday Deals Black Friday is almost here.  In fact, many stores have already begun offering their Black Friday deals.  Clark Howard tells us that some of the best deals will be on:  ~~LCD HD televisions ~~iPads:  Minis, Air ~~iPhone 5C ~~Beats by Dr. Dre headphones ~~Cuisinart cookware sets       and other kitchenware ~~Keurig single serve coffee brewers ~~video games, DVDs, movies ~~laptops and computers ~~tools ~~appliances ~~cameras Best Of Atlanta We just got a notice that we are a finalist for "Best of Atlanta 2013" Wow! But we need more votes to win. Please, if you have not voted for us yet, please vote now. You can win an iPad. Here's the link and thank you!! Clearance Rugs To make room for our Christmas rugs we have marked down many of our area rugs.  A new rug is a quick and easy update for your room, and at these clearance prices very affordable, too.  We have rugs as low as $29.  Hurry in for the best selection. Comfy Chairs Are you shopping for new chairs for your kitchen or dining room?  Experts do not recommend shopping online because this is an item that you need to comfort test before buying.  How many times have you sat down at a friend's island or raised bar, only to fidget and readjust your seat because you can't get comfortable?  It's hard to concentrate on good food and conversation when you can't get comfortable!  Bar stools come in several heights, so make sure they are right for your counter height.