The devastating tornado which happened last month has affected thousands of lives in the state of Oklahoma. Many citizens of Moore lost their homes as well as loved ones. Among those who survived this terrible tragedy, some have been left with nothing. What’s more, some survived the tornado only to find themselves stricken with a disability that will forever change their future.

Fortunately, help always comes to those in need. People who were disabled due to the effects of the tornado can take advantage of free support and assistance when it comes to their employment which will help them in preparation for their future.

The staff from the Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services from the Oklahoma Department of rehabilitation Services will be offering their help to disabled residents of the state in terms of employment assistant. Staff from the Progressive Independence Center will also be assisting with disabled citizens by providing resources for the disabled.

Since disabled residents will have a more difficult time finding a job due to their physical limitations, staffs of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services will offer career counseling, job placement assistance and training. Other assistance includes medical and psychological services.

Residents who wish to partake of this service can come to Westmoore High School on Wednesdays and Saturdays until June 29, 2013.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

We love to give our kids everything they want, and that includes clothes and toys. But, there comes a time when we have to face the reality that too much of anything is a bad thing.  Too many clothes and toys can not only be expensive, but they also take up a lot of space.

So, how do you deal with the clutter?  Here are a few tips:

• Limit toy purchases – It all starts with being able to stop adding more toys that will only continue the cycle. Even if you put some effort into eliminating some of the existing toys, if you continue to add more, they will pile up again.
• Sort and store – Take the time to sit down with your kids and sort their toys. Ask them which toys they play with regularly and which ones they don’t play with as much.  Organize and store the toys that are played with less frequently, and make the ones that are played with more frequently more easily accessible.
• Add more storage – It helps if you properly store and organize your kids’ toys. It helps you reduce the clutter and easily clean their rooms.  Add some baskets or boxes for the toys and sort them in a way that they will only have to take out one box or basket at time when they want to play.
• Change their playing lifestyle – Don’t limit your kids to toys when they want to play. Take them to the park and let them meet new friends. Take them on trips and let them explore and learn new things. There are many ways your kid can play, and they don’t always have to involve toys.
• Donate – Give some of the excess toys to others who may be able to afford toys of their own.  Not only will it reduce the clutter in your home, but it will also teach your children the value of giving.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

That is why the Edmond Mobile Meals are always ready to help! Started in 1974, Edmond Mobile Meals prepare and deliver nourishing, hot meals to people who are bound at home due to age and sickness. They provide meals to registered homebound elderly or disabled individuals for a temporary basis or an extended period of time depending on their need level. For 39 years, the non-profit organization has continued to support its advocacy of helping others find friendship, hope and security.

Now, Edmond residents can extend their help in supporting the continuation of Edmond Mobile Meals. For a limited time, those who plan to dine out at select restaurants will be helping the organization raise more money to provide more meals to more people.

On June 18, 2013, select participating restaurants will be giving a portion of their proceeds to the Mobile Meals each time a diner say that they are with Mobile Meals. Diners who want to help in this small way will only have to let the restaurant know that they are with Mobile Meals so part of their total meal cost will be donated to the organization.

Participating restaurants are as follows:

• Kang’s Sushi Bar & Bistro
• Hideaway Pizza
• Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler (all seven locations)
• Earl’s Rib Palace (Broadway Ext. & Memorial Rd.)
• Zarate’s Latin Mexican Grill
• Qdoba Mexican Grill (4-10 p.m.)
• The Garage (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Chick-fil-A, 33rd Street location (5-8 p.m.)
• Garbanzo
• Simply Falafel
• Jo’s Pizza
• Billy Sims

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Doing the laundry is an inevitable part of our lives because we have to have clean clothes to wear to school, work, and around the house. That is why it is important to have efficient, well-functioning machines to help us stay on top of it.  Unfortunately, many people have to have their washing machine and dryer constantly repaired or replaced. This disrupts the easy flow of laundry work and affects everyone in the family both practically and financially.

Below are some tips on how you can extend the life of your washing machine and dryer, so you know you can rely on them:

• Avoid overloading your washer and dryer. There are different load limits for every machine, and it is important to stick to them. Otherwise, your machine will not perform properly and will be more prone to easy wear and tear.
• Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every use. Lint buildup inside your dryer will cause it to not function properly. It is best to clean your lint filter every time you use your dryer, so it will run better and be more energy-efficient. In addition, check your duct twice each year for any buildup that may clog the pathway.
• Keep your machine clean at all times. You can always count on better performance from your machine when everything is unobstructed and clean. Take the time to wipe your machine dry after you have used it. Avoid allowing dirt and residue to build up.
• Place your machine on a level surface. Your washing machine and dryer constantly move while working. If the surface is not level, the movement will cause easy damage to your machine.  If the surface in your laundry room is not level, create a platform on top of it that is.
• Read the warning labels carefully and follow instructions. There are certain guidelines for how to properly use your machines and how to care for them. Follow them.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Buying new clothes on a regular basis can boost your confidence when you attend gatherings, go to work, or even pick the kids up from school. But, spending too much on new clothes can be a wasted investment and will leave your bank account looking empty. Instead of buying new clothes all the time, why not make your existing clothes last longer and look like new again?

Extending the life of your clothes offers several benefits. First, it reduces the cost of shopping for new clothes. Stop to consider how much you spend each time you buy new clothes. Now, add that up over twelve months. Secondly, you are able to hold on to your favorite clothes longer. Everyone has items in their closet that they want to wear all the time, and by extending their life, you can do that so for a long time to come. Lastly, it will reduce your need for more closet space.

So, make your clothes last longer with these useful tricks:

• Inspect your clothes before storing them for the season. Winter clothes need to be stored away during the summer and vice a versa.  But, have you ever found stains or damage to your clothes when you unpack them? If so, you probably won’t wear them again. To avoid this situation, inspect your clothes and tackle the problems before you store them away.
• Avoid washing clothes that have only barely been worn.  This is especially true for jeans. If you have only worn your jeans for a day, wear them at least once more before you wash them.  It will preserve their color and fabric strength.
• Use cold water when washing your clothes. Avoid using hot water, especially with delicate fabrics. Hot water causes your clothes to lose their color and fade.  It also weakens the fabric and makes it more prone to damage.
• Hand wash clothes as much as possible. If you have articles of clothing that are delicate or soft, try to hand-wash them instead of putting them in the washing machine.  You will avoid damaging the fabric or embellishments that way.
• Treat stains as soon as possible. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than those that have been on your clothes for a few days. In addition, avoid placing stained clothes with other clothes.
• Avoid the dryer. If you aren’t in a hurry, avoid using the dryer. Constantly drying your clothes will add too much heat to them and cause them to shrink easily. Instead, if the weather is nice, line-dry your clothes.  It is gentler on your clothes and also saves energy.
• Read care labels thoroughly. Different kinds of clothes require different types of cleaning. Read care labels carefully, so you will know how to properly clean them and keep them longer lasting.

The Art in Public Places Program started in 2003. Since then, around one hundred thirty art pieces have been placed on display in public using mostly bronze statues. These works of art have offered not only beautification to the city but also have been a boon for economic development.

The program has lasted for ten years with the partnership of the city and private donors. The City of Edmond is allocating $30,000 each year for the funding of the project while private donors are giving their own share. In addition, donations from residents through their utility payments have also offered a major source of fund. Over $22,000 were collected for this fiscal year from the $2 donations that residents are giving along with their utility payments.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

We all want to stay safe and secure within the comforts of our own home. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, burglars still may try to break in and threaten our family and belongings.  That is the why we need to take measures to be sure that our home security is effective as possible.  That way, even if a burglar finds your home, it will make it a lot more difficult to enter and usually deter them for fear of getting caught.

So, how do you increase your home security without spending too much money?

• A well-lit exterior. If you light your home exterior well, you and your neighbors will be able to clearly see if there is someone near your house that shouldn’t be.  Burglars will likely avoid trying to sneak into your house if it is well-lit because it significantly increases their chance of getting caught.  Make sure that your lights stay on until the morning.
• Secure your windows. Doors are not your only entryways – windows are as well. If you don’t have sturdy and locked windows, burglars can easily pass through them.
• Maintain your landscaping. You may not know if there is someone next to your house if they can hide in dense shrubs or behind tall plants. Keep your landscape clean and clear to minimize hiding spaces for trespassers.
• Close your drapes anytime you leave your house or go to sleep. You don’t want anybody to be able to take a peek inside your house when you are not there or when you go to bed. Make it a habit to close your windows and drapes before heading to bed.  Out of sight, out of mind.
• Be smart about spare keys. Normally, people hide spare keys near their door, such as under a doormat or inside plants. So, that’s the first place people look.  Be smart when hiding your spare keys and avoid putting them in predictable places.
• Get a dog. Dogs are a reliable “security system” because they start barking when something or someone is near.  It immediately alerts you to look through your windows and increases the chance of a burglar being caught, so they often leave quickly.
• Ask your neighbors to watch over your home. This particularly applies to when you go away for a vacation. Ask them to do you a favor and pick up your mail and newspapers and keep an eye on your home while you’re gone.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Home renovation projects may require a lot of work from you, and though you probably want to instantly sit down and relax at the end of a day, the work does not stop there. There is a major issue of waste disposal that needs to be tackled, so as not to cause any pollution or threat to the environment.  Renovation projects create a lot of waste, some of which can be toxic or dangerous, so it is important to dispose of it properly and securely.

• Have containers with lids ready before starting the project. From day one until the day of completion, waste will be generated along the way. So, while you work on your project, you need to have available trash containers to keep everything clean.
• Learn how to separate waste. Not all of your construction waste should go into a single container. There are items that are biodegradable and others that are not. Also, be aware of hazardous chemicals. When throwing your garbage away, make sure that these items are separated from the rest of the trash, so they can be disposed of via proper safety procedures. Educate yourself about safe waste disposal for special items by researching online or asking a local organization.
• Hire a hauling company for bigger, bulkier waste. Rend a dumpster and/or have your garbage hauled away instead of leaving it on the ground for several hours or days before your normal garbage collector comes.
• Clean your home thoroughly after construction. There may be underlying threats inside your house even if you think you have disposed of all of the waste. Double check for nails that may be on the ground, chemicals that are still located within your main living areas, share objects protruding from walls, etc.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Many homes and properties were damaged by the May 19th and 20th tornadoes. Thousands of OKC metro residents have destroyed homes and were able to salvage only limited things. This tragic event has left a scar in the lives of many Oklahomans who are now struggling to get back on their feet.

To help residents clean up their homes and allow them to recover what they have left, the City of Oklahoma is planning to assist cleanup efforts with residents whose homes have been damaged. The cleanup efforts of the city will commence early June and will go through until the month of July. Cleanup crews will start with the most heavily damaged areas first. The cleanup efforts of the city will help residents pick up the pieces of what they have lost and remove the remains of the destruction that were beyond salvage.

According to the contractors of the city, homeowners with destroyed homes will need to sign a right-of-entry agreement before the contractors can start clearing their properties. For homes that have hired a private contractor, they can move their debris to the curb, which will then be picked up by the city contractors free of cost.

Homes with hazardous waste will have to separate these threatening wastes from other debris at which point they can also be placed curbside for removal.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Would you like to redecorate your home, but just don’t have the right budget for it?  This is a major dilemma that many homeowners face because home redecorating can be a fun and creative task, but it also requires a certain amount of money.  And, unfortunately, there’s not always a lot of extra cash lying around.

The good news is that there are a lot of decorating ideas that require very little spending.  By setting a budget and sticking to it, doing some of the tasks yourself, and finding the right kind of help, you can achieve the look and feel you want without emptying your wallet.

Below are some useful and budget-friendly decorating ideas:

• Repaint your cabinets. You don’t need to change your cabinet materials in order to change the look of your kitchen.  If you’re wanting something new and different, start by repainting your cabinets. It is an inexpensive way to make a big difference.
• Reuse old items at home. Don’t have a new towel rack? Try using old ladders instead. Wanting a new dining tray? Use your old mirrors or frames. There are a lot of creative ideas you can come up with if you simply search through your old things. By repurposing different items, you wind up with new things without spending a cent.
• Have a redecorating party. Make it fun by having your friends and family come oer to help you redecorate. They may even chip in a few good ideas or have tools you can use. Add some snacks, and it will be a guaranteed good time.
• Do your own sewing You can create a lot of colorful patterns for your pillow cases, table runners, and rugs if you do your own sewing. Gather old clothes or rugs and stitch them together in a beautiful pattern. There will be no need to buy new pillowcases.
• Bring in something from outside. A tall plant in the corner can transform a plain wall. Freshly-picked flowers on your kitchen counter, coffee table, or dining table add a beautiful touch.  Plants add more color and warmth to a room, so use them when you can.
• Add DIY embellishments. Change the look of your lampshade by adding beading or fringe.  You can use the same approach with your bedroom cabinets, bulletin boards, and side tables.
• Change your furniture hardware. Even a tiny change in your door knob can create a new look. Would you rather not spend money on your hardware? Try using second-hand items from friends or neighbors. Just make sure that they function well and are tightly secured.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031