What you don't know about your garage door technician could cost you big bucks

Later, you learn that you paid $800 for unnecessary parts and ridiculous fees, when your local garage door dealer would've fixed your problem for $180.



"This problem happens more than it should," says Bill Gibson, CEO of Overhead Door Company of Lexington, Ky. "In the last 15 years, we've seen a nationwide increase in ruthless garage door repair companies that prey on people with garage door predicaments."



The problem is so widespread that it has been exposed several times on national television. "Dateline NBC," ABC's "The Lookout," and CBC's "Marketplace," (Canada) have all broadcast primetime programs of hidden-camera investigations that caught garage door repairmen gouging homeowners.



What can you do?



"Most garage door companies are honest and reliable business people who care about their customers and their communities," says Chris Long, long-time editor of a trade magazine for the garage door industry. Long offers some simple tips to help consumers find qualified garage door repair experts.



1. Get a second bid.



"With an online search, it's quick and easy to find a second garage door company to help you," he says. "A simple second or third bid may be the best way to find someone who will do the job right at a reasonable cost."



2. Find a member of IDA.



The International Door Association, is the only national association for garage door dealers. Its publications and conferences constantly promote professionalism, says Long.



Look for the IDA logo on the websites of local dealers. IDA members subscribe to the IDA Code of Business Conduct, which promotes fair and honest dealings, responsible conduct and professional business practices.



You can find IDA members in your area by using IDA's member search at www.doors.org or at www.garagewownow.com, the industry's home improvement website.



3. Look for IDEA accreditation and certification.



The garage door industry created the Institute for Door Dealer Education and Accreditation, offering a rigorous accreditation program for garage door companies and training, testing and certification for technicians.



"IDEA accreditation and certification is sought by conscientious companies that want to be among the elite," says Gibson, who is an accredited dealer with several certified technicians.



Red flags



Consumers should also watch for clues that can indicate a rip-off artist. Long suggests that you look for three particular clues.



1. Excessive advertising.



The top position on an online search does not necessarily indicate a reputable company. It merely indicates a company that has spent considerable effort on its search engine ranking. To find a reputable company, Long encourages consumers to look deeper into the top companies listed in your search.



2. Repair specialists.



For decades, the typical garage door dealer focused on sales and installation of new garage doors and openers. Service and repair was a part of the total operation. But now, says Long, some companies target the repair business only, knowing that consumers are less likely to get second bids for repair work.



"A full sales and service company with a long history in the community is likely to have a good reputation for quality products, competitive rates and expertise in repair issues," adds Long.



3. Are they truly local?



Many rip-off companies operate only with online ads, a cellphone, a pickup truck and no physical location. "Before you call, make sure they're a local company," advises Long.



"Check out their address using online satellite maps to see if the company is truly local. Good companies are proud to be reputable and active members of their communities."



Although there is no fool-proof way to find the best local company, consumers should take another minute or two before they make that phone call. By following these simple tips, you can greatly improve your odds of getting your repair done quickly, accurately and at a competitive price.

Tips to help your baby sleep through the night

Thousands of mothers across the country are in the same situation. Pampers recently sponsored a survey of more than 1,000 moms with little ones ages 3 and younger to find what they're doing so baby rests comfortably, even at 3 a.m., and mom and dad can enjoy that elusive full night's sleep. Here are some of their responses.



* Check the diaper. Surveyed moms said the leading technique to keep a baby sleeping at 3 a.m. is to wrap him or her in a dry diaper at bed time. To meet this demand and ensure dry nights, Pampers has newly designed diapers across its entire line that provide up to 12 hours of overnight protection assuring your baby a dry, comfortable sleep.



* Take a moment to cuddle. Spending time holding your child not only helps you develop a strong bond, it lets your baby unwind after a busy day of new sensations. Make sure cuddling time is soothing and relaxes your baby, preparing him or her for sleep.



* A little white noise never hurts. Eighteen percent of surveyed parents recommended sound machines. Remember that your baby was used to a lot of noise inside the womb and may have trouble falling asleep in total silence. Put your baby to bed drowsy but awake; this will help him or her associate bed with sleep and the sound machine will provide the necessary white noise he or she is used to.



* Make reading a routine. Your baby will fall asleep more quickly at night if you establish a routine that he or she can associate with sleep. Reading to your child can be a great addition to your routine. Read in a soft voice to sooth your little one and read for a set period of time, keeping the routine in place each night.



* Incorporate low-key music. If your baby does wake up in the middle of the night, engaging him or her in low-key activities will help baby return to sleep faster. Dim the lights while you tend to your baby, speak quietly and move slowly. If baby requires your presence for a longer period of time - such as for feeding - soft, smooth music is a great choice. It offers the low-key noise baby wants and is more entertaining for mom.



Helping your baby get a good night's sleep is crucial for their development and your health as well. Remember that your little one is flooded with new stimulation every day and the best thing you can do to encourage sleep is establish a soothing, comfortable routine for your child. To learn more about Pampers and the major, meaningful upgrades across its entire line of diapers, visit www.pampers.com.

Impromptu party planning: How to create great gatherings in 30 minutes or less

(BPT) - Parents have never been more crunched for time. Balancing work demands with parental duties is complex - 56 percent of working moms and 50 percent of working dads say they find it very or somewhat difficult to balance these responsibilities, according to a recent report about modern parenthood from the Pew Research Center. But just because you're time strapped doesn't mean you need to stress when it comes time to host after-school activities or weekend gatherings with friends and family. With a few key strategies, even impromptu parties are a snap to pull together.



Did your teen just call to tell you he's having the baseball team over for an Xbox live tournament tonight? Has a pop-up neighborhood party suddenly happened at your house? Did you forget about the Girl Scout meeting after school today? Whatever the reason, embrace spontaneous gatherings and go from zero to party in 30 minutes or less with these ideas:



Astounding activities



Great parties make everyone feel included, no matter how young or old. For spur-of-the-moment parties, gather your favorite board games and a few decks of cards to spread around on various tables. For outdoor gatherings, nothing beats classic lawn games like Frisbee, bocce, ladder ball or horseshoes. Groups are sure to gather to indulge in the fun, and lively conversation will inevitably follow.



To appeal to younger kids, create a makeshift theater stage with a blanket or shower curtain, and pile up costumes, hats and props. Even wallflowers are sure to bloom during this fun activity that inspires make-believe.



For teenagers, video games are ideal - just make sure your system, game options and high-speed Internet are ready for intensive group play and there are plenty of snacks on hand. Add some comfy pillows and throws so everyone can spread out and enjoy the friendly competition. Ask friends and neighbors to bring over their games too for even more variety.



Fantastic food



Time-crunched parents don't have to worry about fancy food when parties suddenly pop up; guests don't expect an elaborate meal. Take a no-nonsense approach by serving flavors everyone will love. Frozen appetizers you can pop in the oven and serve beside fresh seasonal items are ideal.



Bite-size foods are best for easy snacking. Bake some Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks, which are made with 100 percent real mozzarella and lightly seasoned. Kids and adults alike will devour these snacks with a crispy coating and warm cheesy center. Add some zesty Farm Rich Jalapeno Peppers and everyone's taste buds will be dancing. These snacks, available at Walmart and other grocery stores, pair well with fresh seasonal fare, so set out fresh grapes or strawberries, juicy sliced melon or chopped veggies with dip - whatever you have on hand or can get quickly at the local market - and you'll have a spread that will disappear almost instantly.



Set the scene



There's no need to deep clean, but spending a few minutes to tidy up creates a welcoming environment for guests. Focus your efforts on areas where people will gather - like the kitchen, patio or living room. Don't forget to stock toiletries in the bathrooms, too.



If you have time, decorate for your last-minute shindig with simple yet clever decor. Hosting a video game gathering? Make a banner such as "Nelson's Awesome Arcade" and hang above the TV. Have memorable photos of your guests? Run a ribbon and attach photos side-by-side with clothespins so everyone can enjoy the fun imagery. Want to add a summer vibe to your party? Skip the florist and cut some fresh buds from your backyard. If you're stuck, a quick visit to Pinterest is sure to inspire.



When really strapped for time, skip decor and focus on the music - play songs everyone will enjoy and that reflect the theme of the party. Upbeat songs that embrace the warm weather always set the right mood. From the Beach Boys to the most current chart-toppers, some toe-tapping tunes will help guests get in the party groove.



With these tips and tricks, you'll throw a party or get together that'll make everybody happy. You'll stress less and no one will know you put the whole thing together in minutes.

Tips to spruce up your home for the holidays

This is one of the reasons that autumn is a popular time for home improvements. Fifty-two percent of homeowners plan to make home improvements this fall, according to the leading real estate website Zillow. It is also a great time of year for deals as retailers unload inventory to make room for new styles.



Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere includes much more than just poinsettias and Santa Claus centerpieces. There are a number of affordable steps homeowners can take to add a real "wow factor" to their holiday entertaining.



Kitchen updates



The kitchen is commonly one of the busiest rooms during the holidays. Since guests often gather there, it makes sense to make the space the focus for a few improvements before the holidays. Simple and inexpensive updates, such as adding new knobs and handles to cabinets or installing a new backsplash, will make a big difference. Stylish new light fixtures can also give your kitchen a quick facelift that will impress your guests.



Install hardwood floors



The warmth and beauty of hardwood floors can transform the look and feel of your home to create a space that will stun your guests. And unlike carpet, hardwood floors do not stain or wear as easily from inevitable spills and foot traffic that the holidays bring.-Moreover, carpet traps dust, pollen and other particles that can cause allergies and respiratory issues.



Visually unique flooring options such as Lumber Liquidators' Bellawood Bamboo bring together both the aesthetic and practical advantages of hardwood flooring. This flooring carries a 100-year transferable warranty that assures these benefits will be sustained for a lifetime of holiday gatherings.



De-clutter



It's important to create inviting open space for guests to enjoy. De-cluttering bookshelves and removing miscellaneous furniture can help make a room feel larger and more open, and will allow room for festive seasonal decor. Spending time to organize the refrigerator will make space for any holiday dishes a guest brings.



Improve the entry



The front entry provides the first impression of a home, so it's important to create a stylish, cared-for and welcoming look. Homeowners can complete small projects outside, such as updating house numbers, painting the front door and creating holiday-themed arrangements. Simple decor updates just inside the door - such as adding family photos and new rugs - will add a warm and personal feel.

Education leads to empowerment for children in need

In the United States, educational opportunities for children abound, with many beginning their school journeys with preschool programs as early as age 3. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, record numbers of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students are entering the nation's public school systems, and 49.4 million students attended public and secondary schools. More than 19 million students advanced to two-year and four-year colleges and universities, another attendance record.



"U.S. children are so incredibly fortunate to live in a prosperous nation where education is taken for granted, and high school, college and post-college expectations are on par with eating a hot dinner every night," says Sharon Saxelby, president and CEO of Friends of the Orphans, a Chicago-based charitable organization that transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned and disadvantaged children in Latin America and the Caribbean.



Contrast that with access to education and lack of opportunities for children in need in less prosperous countries and the glaring inadequacies are startling. World Bank estimates that 75 million children of primary school age around the world are not in school, often because they need to work so their families can survive. For instance, in Peru, 34 percent of children 14 and under are involved in labor activities, which often render school impossible.



Elsewhere in Latin America and the Caribbean, children's access to education is equally dire. In Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, just more than half of primary school-aged children are enrolled and fewer than 2 percent of children finish secondary school. And in El Salvador, according to Unicef, 70 percent of children aged 16 and 17 do not have access to secondary education.



Unicef attributes these low numbers to a variety of factors, including inadequate teacher competencies, scarcity of teaching materials, poor physical learning environments, limited interaction between schools and communities, the need for children to work instead of attend school, and overall poverty rates, which dictate that limited resources will be directed to things other than education.



Organizations such as Friends of the Orphans, which supports the network of Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH, Spanish for "Our Little Brothers and Sisters") homes and takes a holistic approach to transforming children's lives, recognizes the power of education and makes it a mandatory component.



"Becoming educated is the most valuable thing a young person can do for himself and his community, especially in developing countries," Saxelby explains. "Our philosophy of raising children in the countries we serve is to provide unconditional love, shared responsibility and education. Well-rounded children are able to transcend poverty and ultimately become productive members of their communities."



One of many examples of how education leads to a more prosperous life is Yadira, a young woman from Mexico who has embraced education despite many challenges. She came to NPH at age 13 following the death of her mother, unable to read or write, and was placed in third grade. She quickly thrived, and advanced to NPH's technical middle and high school, which provides vocational certification and university preparation. While there, she focused her studies on mechanics and computers.



Ready to move on, she began her university studies, setting her sights on law. Her studies enlightened her on her own rights as a Mexican citizen, taught her how to write legal documents and navigate the legal system. She even wrote a final thesis about social inequality with respect to legal rights in Mexico. She is continuing her studies and will make law her permanent profession.



"I have seen firsthand the difference people can make in each other's lives and hope to have the same impact on other people through my work in the legal profession," Yadira says. "I am thankful for all the opportunities I've been given and how my life has been transformed."



Saxelby explains that the relative cost of supporting these children as they pursue their educations is low compared to U.S. expenses, and their positive future outcomes and contributions are undeniable. For example, Yadira, who lives in NPH university housing, spends about $580 monthly on expenses. Of that, $267 is tuition and food is $205, with the remainder going toward materials, transportation and books.



"Investing in these children today is well worth it because of their transformations tomorrow," Saxelby says. "Education is power and all children deserve the chance to grow and learn."



For more information about Friends of the Orphans, please visit www.friendsoftheorphans.org.

Five smart steps to maximize bathroom space

In spite of its heavy use, bathrooms are often some of the smallest areas in a home. Cross tight square footage with limited storage, and it quickly becomes cluttered and cramped - far from a pleasant place to start and end each day. Adding function doesn't require changing your bathroom's footprint. To maximize your bathroom storage and make it work best for you, consider these design and organizational tips.



Tip 1: Install a floating vanity

A big trend in small bathroom design is the floating vanity; its wall-mount installation leaves floor space below open and uninterrupted, which tricks the human eye into reading the space as larger than it actually is. Floating vanities come in a variety of materials and designs that offer plenty of counter top space and storage solutions.



Tip 2: Make your mirror work harder

Is your bathroom sporting an old bulky medicine cabinet? Replace it with a smarter option designed with innovative storage that makes life easier. Robern, the industry leader in bathroom storage and grooming, recently introduced the R3 Series Mirrored Cabinets, a perfect solution for DIY-ers looking for a fast, affordable fix. The 1-inch flange around the cabinet's perimeter covers imperfections, eliminating the hassle of re-tiling or re-plastering, making it a project you can easily complete in a day.



Tip 3: Use hidden space to your advantage

In a small bathroom it might be hard to imagine where you might find even an inch of extra space, but there's one secret area you can access and use to your advantage. If you have a blank wall, the space between the studs offers a plethora of potential storage space. You can build shelves directly between the studs, which adds lots of extra space for items like washcloths and toiletries, all within the existing footprint.



Tip 4: Get wired for modern practicality

Your morning routine charges you for the day ahead, so make sure items like electric razors and toothbrushes are fully charged, too. Cabinets equipped with outletskeep personal care items fully juiced and concealed, leaving counter tops and sink surfaces clutter-free for a clean and organized space both you and guests to enjoy.



Tip 5: Revamp the storage drawer

Vanity drawers in disarray steal precious time from your morning and evening routine. First step to function: Purge. Toss old or unused cosmetics, personal supplies, grooming tools or other items you don't use. Next, reorganize with inserts that transform drawers into organizational powerhouses. Look for inserts that will streamline how you use your bathroom, such as options with different sized compartments or even one made specifically for your hair dryer.

Fall into great tabletop decorating ideas

(BPT) - Saying goodbye to summer doesn't have to be a sentimental ending when you consider it's also a beginning - the kick off to autumn and the holiday season. The promise of fall is in the air. It's a great time to dress up your home for fall entertaining; whether that means friends gathered around the television rooting for your favorite team or the ultimate traditional Thanksgiving feast.



"Decorating trends for this fall are really fun and functional," says visual merchandiser John Griffith. "Colors that evoke a sense of nostalgia and family are a really big part of the visual design message for autumn. Reds, golds and oranges are trending this fall. These hues are not only warm and comforting; they're reflective of the season."



Griffith and teammate Julie Robbins add their own unique spin on the latest trends to create seasonal design vignettes for Replacements, Ltd., the world's largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. Whether you are planning a casual family gathering or an elegant dinner party, Robbins suggests easy ways to mix in great fall colors. This can be as simple as adding a charger plate or colorful serving pieces.



"Using colored glass is fantastic way of infusing autumn colors to create a seasonal feel," says Robbins. "Amber colored glass is really popular this fall because the rich, warm color goes with so many patterns and designs. I'm big on the pressed vintage patterns; depression glass, coin glass and sandwich glass are all very lovely and nostalgic. We're actually mixing and matching patterns from historic American glassmakers including Federal, Indiana Glass and Fostoria on our tables. It looks great to mix designs which share the same colors or combine an array of colors within a place setting."



Metal serveware is another popular trend this fall.



"We're incorporating metal serveware into many of our displays because you can do so much with it from a design standpoint," says Griffith. "These are great accent pieces you can dress up or down, plus it is family- and football-season friendly. Metal serveware is also very functional. Once heated, the alloy retains warmth to keep food warmer longer or cooler if you chill these pieces. Plus it is easy to clean and doesn't have to be polished. We're using a lot of fun shapes, like leaf-shaped pieces and turkey platters."



Fall's bountiful harvest translates into the home this season. Robbins is using natural elements in her table designs that evoke a sense of the first Thanksgiving.



"I suggest filling vases, glasses or serving bowls with dried beans, acorns or even kernels of dried deer corn. Not only does this look pretty, you can also mix in candles or flowers and use these natural elements to hold those items in place."



Robbins adds apples, gourds, pumpkins and green pears are among fruits and vegetables you can use on your table or anywhere in your home to create a brilliant splash of color. She says you can find more decorating ideas at Replacements' YouTube channel and Facebook page.