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Marketing Soap -- 5 Fast Ways To Sell Handmade Soap

Author: Alan Bullington

Marketing soap as a small scale business is one of the easiest ways to start a small part-time business.  Let's face it, soap making is a great hobby and maybe you've thought about trying to sell soap as a business.  Maybe you wonder how to get started and where you can sell it.

Here's what we found as we made and sold tens of thousands of bars of natural soap as a part-time little family business.

Fast Way 1 -- Sell it at festivals...

There they are... thousands of people just walking around looking for fun and entertainment.  Some of them are looking for homemade soap.  Be there with a story and attractive products and they will buy... sometimes by the armload.  Did you know that the average person can stack ten four ounce bars of soap on their upper arm?  Know how I know?

Fast Way 2 -- A little ten cent brochure...

Once you have a customer give them a little brochure you just printed on your printer.  Tell what you have and how to get it...  They will mail it back to you or give you a call...  Easy sales are repeat sales.

Fast Way 3 -- The Internet works...

Just a little website that's like an on-line brochure will do.  Give folks a way to contact you and they will buy...

Fast Way 4 -- Keep all those addresses...

The addresses of your customers are like gold.  Just send them a little brochure or catalog.  They will buy again if your products are top quality.  It's repeat sales and that's the easy way.

Fast Way 5 -- Shops want your soap...

Want to sell a hundred bars at a time?  That's what shops will buy.  Make sure you have a volume discount price that will work for you.  Shops will call you or you can call them.  Volume sales are nice and easy too.

Marketing soap on a small scale is easy.  If only you didn't have to make all that soap...  That can be a nice problem to have...

 Interested in starting a soap making business? Get more tips on fast ways to sell lots of soap.

Visit our website at SoapBizKit.com and get started now. Sell soap for fun and profit.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/marketing-soap-5-fast-ways-to-sell-handmade-soap-926535.html

About the Author

Al Bullington and his family sold 35,000 bars of soap part-time. You can do it too.

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Market Seasonality - A Look at Seasonal Market Timing

Author: Jon Ruppel

Originally documented by Norm Fosback in his book "Market Logic" back in the late 1970s, the seasonality timing system is a market timing approach that originally probably didn't get the attention it deserved. The basic problem with the approach is that it identifies periods during the month that are seasonally favorable, but only last for a few days. In the 1980's there was really very little opportunity to take advantage of such short periods of higher than average expected gain.

In his newsletter in the 1980s, Fosback suggested a strategy using stock index futures. These were fairly new at the time, tended to be highly leveraged, and required a fairly high initial capital investment to get started. So few investors were able to take advantage of these favorable market days.

Some time after that, options were introduced on the major market indices as well. Since these traded on the stock exchanges, these were more accessible to the average investor, and so seasonality trading become a more viable alternative for the little guy.

These days, not only are options available, but leveraged index funds offered by Profunds and Rydex Funds are structured exactly to take advantage of short term market swings. And even more recently Profunds has started offering Exchange Traded Funds that mirror these leverage index mutual funds, so anyone with a brokerage account, including tax sheltered accounts like IRA's, can trade them. This makes the seasonality timing system available to be a part of almost anyone's portfolio.

The rules for the seasonality timing system are calendar based, using not only days from each month to get into the market, but there are especially favorable days around the exchange holidays that should be traded as well. Since it's calendar based, you don't have to watch for trades every night, because you know months or years in advance when a trade will be taken.

The record of this system is impressive. In fact, almost all the market gain over the last several decades could be had by being in the market during these few days each month, with a considerably reduced downside risk as well.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/investing-articles/market-seasonality-a-look-at-seasonal-market-timing-980305.html

About the Author

Learn more about identifying favorable market days in the seasonality market timing system at http://fundztrader.com You can also learn more about other simple market timing systems and articles on allocation tools like commodity mutual funds.

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How To Build Dog House Kennel? Woodworking Plan To Build Dog Kennel House

Author: chrishtopher lee

How to Build Dog House Kennel? Woodworking Plan to Build Dog Kennel House 

Building your own dog kennel unit is probably better than buying a ready-built one. By constructing one on your own, you can easily incorporate the necessary specifications that your pets need. This is not to say that commercially-available units are not equipped to handle your dogs. But if you have the right skill and knack for building things, then all you need to do before you begin constructing is know some important tips. 

Learn how to

• Build a kennel complex
• Dog House, kennel
• Whelping box
• Agility Equipment
• Dog fences, gates, doors, latches
• Puppy pens, outdoor runs

Building a Dog Kennel: Wood working Plan to Build Dog Kennel House 

A dog kennel must be designed in a way that it follows the principles of convenience for you and comfort for your pets. These considerations will guide you through choosing the right construction materials and the layout and design of the kennels, and designing the ventilation and drainage systems. 

With convenience in cleaning and maintaining the kennel in mind, you will be able to design the unit that will allow for ease in carrying out sanitation procedures. For example, you will choose steel wires instead of wood or plastic material for flooring. Steel is easier to clean and disinfect. It also does not splinter, causing injury to your pet. 

Concrete may also be used for multi-tiered kennels. It is good, strong material that is also easy to clean. The only disadvantage is that insects and other parasites may live in the cracks that will form in time.

You can also customize the kennel to slope in an angle that allows better drainage. This way, you can just conveniently hose down dirt from the kennel compartments and not have to wipe or mop them clean. You can eliminate odor or keep it at minimum with more frequent disinfection. 

With a customized kennel, you can choose any location that you want. Location is important in maintaining a kennel. Your dogs must not be in direct sight contact with people or moving objects to prevent them from barking and making noise that will disturb your neighbors. 

Woodworking 4 Home provides in depth detailed plans on how to build dog kennel, cd holder, barn, bird feeder, chest, chair, picnic & dining table set, bee hive, bench, fence, horse barn, hammock tand, mailbox, farm shop, hutch, pergola, lamp shade, shed, racks, storage, entertainment center or media center, den, wagon, playhouse, trellis, easel, boat, guitar, billards, bat, green house and 14,000 more plans.

This product is perfectly suitable even for beginners, very simple and straightforward. All the plans are easy to use.

There's no place like this, where you find extensive furniture and household wood working plans which are easy to follow. Woodworking 4 Home even offer plans for sheds,bed plans,all type of table and chair plans, boat plans besides house plans. 

It is the best DIY guide when it comes to Woodwork. These plans comes straight from John Metz, who is a Professional woodworker with extensive practical knowledge on any type of wood work. 

Woodworking 4 Home also comes with 8 week money back guarantee, so you do not have anything to lose. And am sure woodworking 4 home is your final destination when it comes to any wood work plan or design. 

Join woodworking 4 home now

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/how-to-build-dog-house-kennel-woodworking-plan-to-build-dog-kennel-house-1897129.html

About the Author

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What is Molting?

Author: Michael Rasco

Molting is a process that many different creatures undergo. Insects and crustaceans molt their exoskeletons; snakes and other reptiles shed their skin; and, of course, birds molt their beautiful plumage. However, with most birds, molting is often a fairly inconspicuous event. They lose their feathers a few at a time. They shed their flight feathers in pairs, symmetrically, one from each side, so as not to affect flight. The entire process could take from days to months (depending on the species and the time of year), and the casual observer would not notice a thing.

Of course, there are a few exceptions. Many ducks, geese and other waterfowl lose most or all of their flight feathers at once, leaving them flightless for a short while, until new feathers grow in. Due to a waterfowl’s size and shape, the loss of even a couple of flight feathers would drastically inhibit its ability to remain airborne. It makes more sense for them to get the process done in one fell swoop. They molt all the feathers at once, rendering themselves flightless for a brief period. If they shed a pair of feathers at a time, they would be “practically” flightless, and for much longer duration.

Why Do Birds Molt?

Molting is basically a tire change. Birds are able to rid themselves of worn, damaged feathers and replace them with beautiful new plumage. Since feathers are responsible for more than just a bird’s ability to fly, molting is even more critical than one might initially think.

Feathers also provide weather protection, making a bird virtually waterproof. The feathers on a bird’s body overlap and the individual tines on each feather actually interlock. The net effect is an aerodynamic rain-sheet - wind and water slide right off with little resistance.

Some species even change into a colorful breeding plumage in order to attract a mate. The male American Goldfinch, a bird commonly seen at bird feeders throughout much of the U.S., molts before the breeding season, changing into its distinctive bright yellow suit with a black cap. In the late summer to early fall, after the young have fledged, he molts into his basic plumage - a somber olive green, very similar to his mate’s coloring.

When Do Birds Molt?

Most birds molt but once per year. Several, though, like the Glossy Ibis, the Common Redpoll, and the aforementioned American Goldfinch, have two molts every year. Some birds experience more wear and tear on their feathers - whether it is from long migrations or foraging through trees and brush - and require that extra molt to keep their feathers in shape.

As far as the actual timing of the molt, there is much variation from one species to another, and even within individual species. The exact dynamics and mechanics of the process are still not fully known; what is known is that molting does tax a bird’s energy. Therefore, it always takes place during a relatively uneventful time of the year - for example, after a migration or after raising a nest full of baby birds.

What is the Significance of Molting to a Birder?

The answer to this question can easily be inferred from the previous paragraphs. Birds that molt into a breeding plumage are often stunningly beautiful. In the late winter, a birder may anxiously anticipate the coming change of clothes for his favorite bird.

Molting also serves in the opposite capacity. A Purple Martin landlord may notice a few stray flight feathers on the ground under the birdhouse in the days before his gregarious tenant leaves on its winter migration.

In any case, molting is another fascinating aspect of the nature of our charming, enigmatic avian friends. Enjoy them, cherish them, and respect them.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nature-articles/what-is-molting-85091.html

About the Author

Michael Rasco is the owner of UtopiaBirdHouses.com, a website committed to providing high quality birding products and wild bird information.

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3 Indispensable Scrapbooking Storage Solutions and Systems

Author: Lucy Rightious

Scrapbooking has gained great popularity through the recent years. The method of preserving the family history and personal data in photos, documents contained in scrapbook and albums is in practice since the invention of the printing technology. Modern scrapbooking is considered as one of the best ways to preserve the keepsakes intact so that it could be fun to look at them in the future. You will be well aware of the fact that scrapbooking is done using different materials (say) photographs, ordinary papers and cardstocks. Apart from these medium, tools such as pens with different colored tips, adhesives of all shapes and sizes such as tapes, and glues, embellishments such as buttons, laces, pins, eyelets, patterns, and the like, cutting supplies such as a pair of scissors and cutters, die-cuts, cut-outs, punchers and many more are used in scrapbooking. Though there are lots of scrapbooking supplies that are used today, there are a few important things that are indispensable for scrapbooking. Just keep reading on the article to know the 3 most important scrapbooking supplies.

3. The Primary scrapbooking supplies

The albums and the scrapbooks are the basic scrapbooking supplies that are indispensable. With the advancement in printing technology, this basic scrapbooking supplies come in all colors, shapes and sizes. It is a well known fact that without the use of the above mentioned scrapbooking supplies, scrapbooking is virtually impossible. In addition to the albums and scrapbooks there are many other basic scrapbooking supplies (say) background paper, paper trimmer, art pens, archival pens, mounting glues and scissors

2. Scrapbooking supplies for decoration

The modern scrapbooking activity includes decorating the scrapbooks and albums according to the user’s creativity. There are some cool tools for scrapbooking decoration. When it comes to scrapbooking decoration, the options are unlimited. You can make use of the stickers which expresses several emotions, actions and feelings. These stickers are very cheap and also add life to your scrapbooking. You will be well aware of the fact that colorful embellishments are indispensable to add beauty to your scrapbooks. Fibbers and ribbons can also be used to add a bit of charm to your scrapbooks.

1. Scarp boxes for Scrapbooking storage

The activity of scrapbooking involves the uses of large number of tools. These tools need to be stored and organized properly so that they can be found easily for future use. Hence scrapbooking storage is a very important aspect that has to be taken into account. The scrapbooking storage systems are very much essential for storing and organizing the albums and scraps. As more and more people enter into scrapbooking, different varieties of scrapbooking storage systems are manufactured today. Though the scrapbooking storage systems come in different sizes, shapes and materials, the wooden scarp boxes are used widely today. These scrapbooking storage systems add beauty to your rooms along with organizing your scraps.

These three scrapbooking supplies are indispensable for any scrapper.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/3-indispensable-scrapbooking-storage-solutions-and-systems-760655.html

About the Author

About the Author:

Scrapbooking storage is the very important thing to be considered in interior design. Though the scrapbooking storage like Scrap Booking Table, Craft Storage, scrapbook organizer are merely for storing scrapbooking items, they should be selected with proper attention and care. For more information, visit www.theoriginalscrapbox.com

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Lingerie Buying Guide

Author: Subhash

When it comes to buying lingerie, you want to eliminate anything that binds or cuts into the skin. Most of us want lingerie to make us look as smooth as possible. You're not going to do that with things that are in any way too small. When it comes to lingerie, buying too small can actually make you look bigger.

* The most important thing to consider when buying lingerie is size, especially accurate bra size. You want each item to fit properly and to be comfortable. Speaking of comfort, many women avoid lingerie because they fear it won't be comfortable, but there are many options to choose from which provide not only beauty and style, but also plenty of comfort.

*Before buying, make sure you know your correct bra size. Chances are, unless you've been professionally measured, you're not wearing the right size. If your breasts spill out of the cups into your armpits, your cup size is too small.

*If the strap in the back rides up, your bra's band strap is too big. If your breasts appear to sag in your brassiere, then you may need criss-cross support, stronger straps, and/or an underwire. If the straps dig into your shoulders, look for wider straps.

*You don't have to start out choosing the most daring item of lingerie. You can select from gorgeous nightgowns, silky robes, and satin lounging pajamas. There are many different styles available for every preference and mood. From long and elegant to short and sexy, you can choose something that you and your partner will both find attractive. It really depends on taste.

*If you're looking for bedroom wear, what matters most is how glamorous and beautiful they make you feel. However, if you're looking for plus size panties as foundation garments, remember that bikinis are not usually as attractive under clothes as panties that rise all the way to the waistline of whatever you're wearing.

*If you are shopping in a store, make sure you can try on lingerie, even if it is over your clothing or undergarments. Getting the right fit can be a bit tricky, because lingerie tends to run a little on the small side. Like it or not, you may need to select a larger size. Don't feel bad; many women do. If you're shopping online, measure yourself in all the key areas and contact an online retailer for additional sizing information.

*Price is always an issue, so shop and compare. Competition in the lingerie industry is high, so you should be able to find great prices if you shop around for the best deal. Why pay more for lingerie if you don't have to, especially when online shopping is so convenient? Most online lingerie retailers also ship your purchases in discreet packaging, so you won't have to worry about privacy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/lingerie-buying-guide-85133.html

About the Author

Sandeep kumar
Content Writer
Find more about Lingerie at www.ShoppingSoLow.com
For more information on Indian Colleges at www.FindCollegesIndia.com

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Large Catfish for Your Freshwater Aquarium

Author: Jason Wilson

Caring for catfish in the aquarium can be a very rewarding experience. Catfish have special water and environment requirements they need fulfilled to thrive. Catfish come in many different varieties but they are mostly a very peaceful type of fish to care for.

The most common catfish variety in the home aquarium is the Armored Catfish. Catfish have a great reputation for being a very comical and playful fish to own. In this article I will be going through the various things to consider when you are thinking about getting your very own catfish.

Catfish are naturally scavengers in the wild. You should make sure to pick a soft bottom material for your aquarium, as catfish love to dig and root around at the base of the aquarium. You should feed your catfish sinking pellets, as catfish naturally are the bottom feeders in the aquarium.

You should vary the diet for your catfish between flakes, bloodworms, and sinking pellets. Catfish can also eat smaller feeder fish, but it is not recommended to feed them that often with feeder fish. There have been reports of certain catfish being smart enough to perform certain little tricks to get rewarded with treats for their tricks.

Catfish have a reputation for being a relatively goofy and comical fish. This of course will vary depending on the species of catfish you choose. But it is a generally safe to assume that the catfish will be an entertaining addition to the aquarium. Some types of catfish enjoy being schooling fish while others can be quite the loner.

Catfish are great additions to community aquariums as they normally keep to themselves at the bottom of the aquarium. Catfish will mostly get along will all types of fish, but they can run into a bit of conflict with an over territorial cichlid. You should try your best to avoid such confrontations by not including species of over-aggressive cichlids in the aquarium with the catfish.

Some other things to consider before attempting to add a catfish to your aquarium is the fact that they are predators. It is not a good idea to keep fish small enough to fit into the catfishes mouth as it will generally eat them.

Catfish are also nocturnal so it is a good idea to provide a hiding spot large enough for this fish to rest in during the day. Also you will need to feed the catfish at night and adjust the normal feeding schedule of the aquarium. The problems caused by the catfish being nocturnal are easily outweighed by this fishes delightful attitude.

These are just a few of the things to consider when you are purchasing your aquarium catfish. You should always research in depth the types of catfish you are going to be placing in your home aquarium. I hope I have been able to tell you a little about the things you will need to consider when raising catfish.

Just remember to always do your research before you go out and purchase a new catfish for your aquarium. Make sure that you can accommodate your new pets size and needs in your aquarium.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/large-catfish-for-your-freshwater-aquarium-553605.html

About the Author

Getahugetank.com carries large catfish and other fish species, as well as custom aquariums of any size.

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Binocular Harness

Author: Binocular Harness

Whether you are an experienced bird watcher or if you’re just now beginning, it is imperative that you get a quality binocular harness. Many novices feel like they are perfectly able to go without or make their own, but they soon learn that it simply doesn’t work. An integral part of birding is being able to move quickly and easily as well as to have your opticals only a few inches from you at all times.

It is equally important that your binocular harness is sturdy enough that it will protect your binoculars or camera no matter what. Even if you are only beginning and do not have the fanciest equipment, if you drop your equipment, your whole day is shot. It will cost you time and money. I tell you what, nothing is more frustrating than not being able to do what you came to do because of a simple binocular harness malfunction.

Well, simple is an understatement. I mean a binocular harness only has one function – to hold your equipment. If it can’t hold your equipment then what are you wasting your time for, anyway?  There are several aspects to consider as you are looking to purchase a binocular harness. Keep in mind that you want it to not only hold your equipment but also to do so with a bit of style and grace.

How does a binocular harness have style and grace, you ask? Well, it should be an actual shoulder binocular harness in order to comfortably keep the weight of your equipment off your neck. By being a shoulder binocular harness, it will prevent the binoculars from swinging around as you move. After all, while birding, one wants to be able to move swiftly and quietly as they shift watching positions.

Your binocular harness should also be as practical as possible. It needs to have the ability to adjust and adapt to most types of binoculars or cameras. Get one that had adjustable straps for tension and sizing. And make sure it comes with rings and ties that can fit any type of equipment.

What I meant by style in the ‘style and grace’ comment is that along with functionality, you don’t want to look like an idiot. So get a good, sturdy binocular harness that is inexpensive and durable. And don’t even think about getting one without a 100% satisfaction guarantee and life time warranty.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bird-watching-articles/binocular-harness-1083860.html

About the Author

Get This Guaranteed Binocular Harness Now

Find Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Your Binocular Shoulder Harness Here

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The Versatility of a Vertical Blind

Author: Rakesh Gaikwad

Vertical blinds offer a fantastic modern window treatment which is both practical and versatile. They are available in polyester fabric, vinyl, aluminium and wood which usually have protective coatings which provide valuable fire and moisture resistance. Many fabric vertical blinds are machine washable, while the wood, metal and vinyl blinds are wipe or sponge clean. Veins of the blind are easy to change should they become accidentally damaged.

The versatility of a vertical blind makes them the ideal choice for use in any room of a home or workplace. Traditional white blinds offer clean defined lines which compliment a whole range of interior designs styles and trends, looking stunning when used on their own or when used in combination with other window dressings such as curtains.

The need to reduce both heat and light in a room can effectively be achieved with the use of a vertical blind. The effective light reduction properties can be a perfect way to help protect wooden floors, carpets and furnishings from fading and discolouring in the sun. The veins of a vertical blind are easily tilted to allow different amounts of light to enter a room and when fully closed are effective in providing a complete window covering. When tilted the veins offer privacy from the outside world and yet enables people to see out through the window.

For an usual and contemporary look vertical blinds which have veins of alternating colours or textures bring a new dimension to traditional plain blinds, like wise a fabric blinds are also available with have different weave patterns and textures incorporated into them enabling a vertical blind to be an integral part of an interior design concept. Contemporary patterned designs and clever use of metallic colours which glisten in the sunlight offer a unusual and trendy look in vertical blinds, while faux suede and faux leather veins are making vertical blinds one of the most popular choices in chic window treatments.

Bay windows can be successfully fitted with vertical blinds which are suspended of specifically designed curved header rails and with the ability to stack them back to provide a completely unobstructed view to the outside are ideal for use in windows which over look gardens.

Vertical blinds made from PVC make an excellent choice for window treatments in either a bathroom or kitchen, they are coated with moisture resistant properties which helps to prevent distortion and warping of the veins, they are also incredibly easy to wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth. Alternatively an aluminium blind suits equally well to humid conditions and modern perforated designs offer ventilation and some interesting visual effects in the sunlight.

For the safety conscious or those with vulnerable people or children some modern vertical blinds designs have taken the strangle and choking hazards into consideration and have used wand style operating systems rather than the traditional operating cords.

The modern design styles and innovations in vertical blinds have provided vertical blinds which have perfect overlapping of the veins when the blind is closed, this gives light blackout from unwanted light pollution to a room and offers optimum privacy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/the-versatility-of-a-vertical-blind-599906.html

About the Author
Terry's Fabric offers you ready made vertical blinds which can easily be fitted into most windows of your home.

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Rural Living in Canada

Author: Jane Toombes

Many people dream of living in a vast city such as Toronto or Vancouver when they think of Canada, however a growing number of people want to shed city life and become part of Canada’s growing rural community.

Canada has a lot to offer when it comes to rural living: mountains, lakes, forests and even glaciers. According to the last census (2006) six million Canadian live in small towns or rural areas, which is just under 20% of the population.

There can be huge financial advantages to living outside major urban locations. Almost without exception rural houses are cheaper than their city counterparts. You might spend $250,000 on a small 800 sq ft apartment in a city with one bedroom and barely enough room to swing a cat. But, the same money might buy you a four or five bedroom property in an acre or two of land with 2-3,000 sq ft in the countryside.

To some people living a few kilometres from a major town or city in the countryside is rural enough. They are living the rural life i.e. surrounded by the countryside, perhaps not too many other properties about and able to stay out of the hustle and bustle of city life. However, they are also close enough to the city to shop, visit restaurants and use all the amenities located there.

Other people want total seclusion and seek out a home far away from anyone else. They may become self-sufficient for food etc and rarely venture into the town or city for provisions.

For others a happy medium is what they want. Perhaps in a small village with a few hundred people where they can join and become part of the community.

Before deciding to live the rural life there are many things you need to take into consideration to make sure you are making the right decision for your family.

Living close to farms

Although the idea of looking out of your window to see horses and cows grazing in the adjacent field may sound appealing, there are things to consider when living next to a farm or farms.

Animals: Animals can be dangerous, especially around children and pets. Animals smell, it is a fact that if you have a barn or field of wild stock nearby you will notice odours. There is the animal smell itself and also the smell from manure etc, so you need to take this into consideration if your planned property is close to farmland.

Noise: Farming can be noisy and depending on the type of farm, noise can be heard ay time of day or night. During planning and harvesting time many farmers work 24/7 using noisy machinery. Even dairy farmers often milk their herds during the night. Some farmers spray their fields with pesticides and may use low-flying aircraft to accomplish this. Animals too can cause a lot of noise.

Dirt: Farms can be dirty places, not just because of animal waste, but because of dust. During the summer when most of Canada has dry weather the roads can get very dusty. This is even more of a problem when you have machinery in fields creating even more dust.  Also when tractors and other farm machinery exit farm land and travel on the local roads, they cause dust as well as leaving large amounts of mud and other debris in the road.

Chemicals: You must not forget that living near a farm, may mean that chemicals and pesticides are being used. You need to decide if you want to be close to such substances.  Some people are very sensitive to these, which can cause health problems.

Rural Roads

Roads are something you need to consider when living rurally. Check to see if the roads are maintained during the winter i.e. snow ploughing. Some rural roads will not be maintained between certain months i.e. November to April. If this is the case, make sure you have an alternative such as your own plough or the use of a neighbours. The rural roads that do have snow-ploughing services may have to wait a little longer than town roads to be cleared.

Many rural roads are nothing more than dirt tracks, which can be extremely dusty in the dry months and slippery in the wet. Make sure you have a vehicle suitable for the local roads.

Some rural roads will get used (legally or not) for the use of all-terrain-vehicles (ATV’s) or snowmobiles in the winter, which can be very noisy and annoying.

Water Supply

Almost without exception rural properties in Canada will have a well as a source of water. Although wells might not be common in your home country, they are very common in Canada and so you should never be too concerned about purchasing a home with a well. There is no discernable difference from the point of view of water use from having a well or having a municipal supply. Remember having a well means you do not pay any water fees.

Well Record: When buying a house with a well make sure you get the Well Record from the owner. This is a record from the Ministry of the Environment that includes details such as when the well was constructed, location, depth, type etc.

Water Recovery Test: You should obtain a Water Recovery Test from a licensed contractor. This will determine how much water you can draw from the well. The minimum should be 14 litres per minute for duration of 120 minutes. This equates to 450 litres per person, per day.

Water Quality: Obviously the quality of the water you get from a well is very important; after all you will be drinking it. As part of the buying process you should have a water quality test completed. This test detects the presence of things such as E. coli, sodium, sulphate, chloride, lead etc. If your property is located near farmland you may want to have additional tests done to include pesticides. A contractor can do these tests or you can take samples yourself and submit them to the local company for testing. The local public health office can tell you where these are.

Well Type: Wells need to penetrate an aquifer, which is an area of saturated permeable soil or rock. Gravel and bedrock make good aquifers whereas clay and silt make a poor aquifer, as they cannot support high pumping rates.

There are three main types of well: dug, bored or drilled.

Dug and Bored Wells: These are used when the aquifer is less than 15 meters deep. They can be prone to contamination from surface water and sometimes, a shortage of water.

Drilled Wells: This type of well is used when the aquifer is deep, between 15-60 meters. They usually provide a more secure and safe source of water, although they are costlier to construct in the first instance.

Any problems found as part of any inspection should either be corrected by the owner or the selling price reduced to accommodate you carrying out the repairs. A new well pump can cost in the region of $500 - $1,000 whereas the cost of having a new well drilled can cost anything from $150 per meter.

Sewage Waste

Again, the majority of rural properties will not be connected to the municipal sewer system and must therefore rely on a septic system. Having a septic system means you do not pay any sewage fees and you will not notice any difference from the point of view of use from having a septic system to having a municipal system.  A septic system comprises of two main components, a septic tank and a leaching bed.

Septic Tank: This is a large, watertight container made from concrete, polyethylene or fibreglass. The size of the tank depends on the house size and the minimum tank size can vary between 1,800 to 3,600 litres depending upon the province. Older tanks may only have one chamber, whereas modern tanks have two.

Septic tanks work by allowing solids to settle to the bottom to form a sludge layer and oils and grease float to the top to form scum. Bacteria, naturally present in the tank break down the sewage over a period of time.

Leaching Bed: This is a system of perforated pipes in gravel trenches on a bed of unsaturated soil. Wastewater comes out of the septic tank and seeps through the pipes into the soil where microbes remove any additional harmful viruses, bacteria and nutrients. The treated water then runs into the groundwater. Leaching beds typically have a lifespan of at least 20 years.

Each province has its own rules regulations regarding septic systems such as size, how often they need to be emptied, distances from buildings and wells etc. You can have the septic system checked before you purchase a property to make sure it complies with local permits, had been installed correctly and is working how it should. If any problems are found, the previous owners should be held responsible. This may equate to asking them to correct the problem to your satisfaction or ask for a reduction in the selling price so you can correct the problem.  To replace an entire system can cost anything up to $25,000. You can also ask that the previous owners have the tank emptied at their cost before you take ownership ($150-$250).

Electricity

Unless your property is very remote indeed, you should be connected to the local electricity supply. However, you need to be aware that power outages are more frequent in rural locations than in towns or cities.

If an outage occurs, it can be back online within a few minutes or hours, but may take several days to repair depending on the cause.  Initially you may not see this as a major problem, but you should be aware that if you have a well, as soon as the electricity supply is lost, you will also loose your water supply as this relies on an electric pump to work. This means no tap water, showers or toilet flushing.

In the winter this also means no heating, or in the summer no air conditioning or fridges to keep food fresh.

It is therefore advisable to invest in a generator for these periods of electricity loss. There are many different types and sizes of generators ranging in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. You may only want to keep the essentials going such as heating/cooling, fridge, water pump etc. Or you may want to have the whole house run as normal, which of course will mean investing in a much larger and more expensive generator.

Some generators will need connecting to your electricity supply and therefore you will need to employ a qualified electrician to do this for you. He or she will require a permit from the local municipality that you will keep to prove the work was carried out correctly.

Heating

May rural properties will not have connections to municipal gas and so you will either have to do without or use propane or oil instead. Many people use one of the three to heat their homes, as it is usually much cheaper than using electricity. Other options include wood and solar heating.

Oil: Oil is stored in large tanks usually installed in basements or utility rooms or even outside the property either above or underground. As part of your home inspection the inspector will check the tank for leaks, age, size etc. Most tanks are built to last 20-30 years, so if the tank is close to this age you may be looking at replacement costs in the near future. Obviously replacement costs vary depending on type and location, but anything from $800 upwards is not unusual. If the tank is underground these costs can be over $5,000.

Make sure your home insurer knows you have an oil system in your home, as you will need your insurance to cover this. The cost to repair a tank if leaking or if an oil spill is caused can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars if land is contaminated, so make sure you are adequately covered.

You will need to contact a local oil company to arrange for your tank to be refilled. Most companies offer automatic deliveries; so you need not worry about running out of fuel, they simply deliver on a regular basis and you just pay for the fuel used.

Propane: Used in the same way as oil and stored in either small, portable tanks to use with generators or other small appliances such as BBQ’s or stored in large outdoor tanks for uses such as heating homes.

As with oil you will need adequate house insurance to cover any possible leaks, problems etc and a local company will deliver propane to your home.

Internet/Phone

Although getting a phone line in a rural location is generally not a problem; the supplier you can choose from may be limited.

The Internet on the other hand can be a major problem. If having Internet access is important to you, particularly if you want high speed then you may need to do some research before committing to a property.

Dial-up: If you have a phone line then you can get dial-up Internet access. You will need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and you need to make sure the number you use to dial is a local number of toll-free; otherwise it could prove very expensive to use.  Maximum speed is 56 kbps.

Cable: It is unlikely, thought not impossible that you may get cable Internet in a rural location. If you have cable TV, then it is likely that your service provider will be able to offer an Internet service too. The cable is shared with your neighbours, so the speed of the system can be reduced if a large number of people are accessing the system at the same time. Speeds range from 128 kbps to 10 Mbps.

Satellite: Most locations, even rural will be able to access high speed Internet via satellite. This system as the name suggests uses satellites in space to send and receive the data. You will need a dish attached to your house and as long as you have clear sight to the satellite you will be able to access the Internet. Speeds range from 128 kbps to 10 Mbps. This can be a very expensive option.

Wireless: Internet is now available via wireless technology. In order to access this system you will need to have clear sight of the tower transmitting the signal. Some people have towers attached to their homes to elevate the dish picking up the signal and obtain a clear line of sight to the tower. Speeds range from 128 kbps to 10 Mbps.

Amenities

If you are choosing to live rurally then you must make sure you can get access to the amenities that you will need on a regular basis. This can include things like groceries, health club, restaurants, theatre etc. Basically anything that you feel is important to your everyday life, you will need to have within a reasonable driving distance.

Shops: You may be willing to drive quite a distance to buy a new sofa or car, but you won’t want to travel for any great distance for a pint of milk or a loaf of bread on the odd occasion that you run out.

Schools: If you have children you will want to know where the local schools are and what type of transport is provided. Many Canadian schools operate a school bus system, which literally collects and deposits children outside their homes. If you are a good distance from a school you will need to make sure that your property is on the school run, or can be incorporated into it. You will also want to know what time the bus will collect and return your children.

Health Care: Another important consideration when living rurally is health care. We have mentioned in the past how difficult it can be to get a family doctor in Canada. You will want to make sure that there is a walk-in clinic located within an acceptable distance, likewise a dentist. You should also make sure you know the location of the nearest hospital and any other medical services you feel you might need.

It is worth asking the local emergency services how long it would take for your property to be reached. You want to know that if you need to call an ambulance, it will reach you in ‘x’ minutes and get you to hospital in ‘y’. Likewise if your house caught fire, you would not want to wait half an hour for a fire truck.

Work: Thirty percent of people living in rural areas commute to local towns and cities for work. If you have to work for a living and this requires you to leave the house, then the location of your home needs to take this into consideration. Can you easily get to and from work, even in the winter months?

Wildlife

Although wildlife can be found in the cities and towns, you will see many more varieties in the county. This can be an advantage and sometimes, a disadvantage.

What you will see will very much depend on where in Canada you live. The most likely culprits will be raccoons, deer, squirrels and rabbits. There will also be an abundance of birds such as jays, blackbirds, grackles, thrashers and chickadees. We have mentioned many of the most common mammals (issue 14) and birds (issue 13) previously.

Raccoons, although quite cute can be a nuisance. They will raid bird feeders, often destroying them in the process. Pregnant females will also seek out places to raise their young and find attic spaces and old sheds etc very appealing.  They can do untold damage to property and can obviously be a major health hazard as they can carry diseases such as rabies as well as be quite aggressive, particularly females with young.

Seeing deer roaming in your garden can be quite magical, but again they can do untold damage. They may eat your plants and shrubs and their hooves can do lots of damage to your lawn.

Even the smallest of creatures such as a chickadee can be a problem. They may decide to nest in your eaves or even dig their way into your wooden siding. These birds can be very tame and will not be put off by nearby humans.

Mice can be another problem in rural areas, particularly if you live near a farm with outbuildings etc. Mice are pretty active all year round and will find nice warm places to live and raise their young - this place could be your house.

To make sure your property is “critter-free” you should make sure all holes and joints in the building are sealed. Animals and birds will sneak into the smallest of places. You should secure your property as best you can

Never leave refuse around for animals to find. If you do it once, they will keep coming back for more. Make sure garbage cans are secure with a tight fitting lid so raccoons and other larger animals such as bears cannot overturn and open them.

If you feed the birds and animals in your garden, try to keep the food away from the actual house. If they are used to receiving food in a certain place they will not be tempted to venture into your property to find more.

Conclusion

Rural living can offer many people an ideal way of life. Some however, may prefer the hustle and bustle of city life. Everyone is different and you may not know which will suite you best until you have lived in either location or a while.

You may have decided to live in a major town or city but after a year or so move to the countryside, or visa versa. The beauty of Canada is that there is no shortage of places to live, whatever your needs. You can be sure to find what you crave, it just might take you a while to find it.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/moving-and-relocating-articles/rural-living-in-canada-440766.html

About the Author

Jane Toombes is owner/editor of Muchmor Canada Magazine. Muchmor is a free online magazine aimed at anyone who loves living the Canadian lifestyle. Jane has an award winning marketing background and moved from England to Ontario, Canada in 2006. http://www.readmuchmor.com

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