Home Owners Insurance

What should your home owners insurance cover?  That is up to you but your policy should meet these minimums. For more detailed information on understanding home owners insurance policies , I found the following website extremely helpful www.insurance.com. 

All policies have these coverages included but to what extent... how much do you need? 

1. Coverage A- Dwelling
2. Coverage B- Other Structures on Your Property
3. Coverage C- Personal Property/Contents
4. Coverage D- Loss of Use
5. Coverage E- Personal Liability Protection
6. Coverage F- Medical Payments

What does that cover?? 

Coverage A - Dwelling:  The coverage should be enough to cover the cost of rebuilding your home in the event of a complete loss.

                                    Replacement Coverage vs Actual Cash Value

The replacement cost of your home is how much it would cost to replace your home and its contents with new materials at current prices in the event of a loss.  Actual cash value (ACV) is the value of your property at the time of a loss.  ACV may be determined as the replacement cost minus depreciation. You want replacement cost !! No exceptions! You want what it would cost for you to put your house back brand new and no less.  

Coverage B - Other Structures:  This is the portion of your home insurance policy that covers the cost of rebuilding/repairing the additional structures on your property other than your home. This includes detached garages, sheds, and other detached buildings, walk ways and patios. Typically, a standard home insurance policy will provide 10% of the total dwelling coverage as coverage for additional structures.

Coverage C - Personal Property:  Typically a home insurance policy will provide 50%-70% of your dwelling coverage towards contents/personal belonging coverage. However, you might decide to purchase more depending on the value of the personal belongings in your home. Again you want full replacement coverage! You want what it would cost to go out and replace that item at today's price.  No exceptions!

Coverage D - Loss of Use:  Loss of use coverage reimburses you for hotel, restaurant and other living expenses you may incur as a result of your home being uninhabitable. The purpose of this coverage is to help you maintain your standard of living in the event of a disaster.Most standard home insurance policies will provide coverage up to 20% of the dwelling coverage. You are entitled to be displaced to a location that is equal to that which you are living....not the extended stay up the street or the apartment 1/4 the size you are used to. 

Coverage E - Personal Liability:  This is the section of a standard home insurance policy that protects you or covered family members against lawsuits. This type of insurance coverage would protect you in the various examples of situations where a lawsuit is presented like your mail man falling on your porch.  

Standard home insurance policies will typically include a minimum of $100,000 for each liability claim occurrence.

Coverage F - Medical Payments:  commonly referred to as MedPay, is the section of a standard home insurance policy that will cover medical costs in the event that someone is injured on your property and does not want to sue you. When someone is injured on your property and does not want to sue you for the damages, you can use MedPay to help cover medical costs. MedPay would cover injuries sustained on your property when a lawsuit is not present.Typical MedPay coverage will cover $1,000 per injured person.

Gavin Tail Twister # 44: What About Filipe the Flower!

Felipe The Flower

This last weekend, we squeezed the dreaded piano lesson in.  We usually have it mid week but missed for some reason or another so had to make up on the weekend. While at the lesson, Gavin and I sat in the garden room while Sam took his 30 minute turn.  On the brick wall behind where Gavin and I sat hung a very large portrait of Edward Eikner, our wonderful piano instructor. It was a painting done by a well known artist inGA named PENLEY whose style is strong brush strokes with bold colors  that exhibits vivid imagery.  It was such a large canvas that up close,  all you could see would be large strokes of paint resembling what looked like someone was trying to ice a cake on canvas.  From afar though, the full image of Edwards head was a truly a piece of art.
We sat in a small wicker love seat barely enough space for the two us.  We faced toward each other so we could talk without disturbing the ongoing lesson in the other room.   I brought out the Boy Scout Handbook because I thought today Gavin and I could sit and cover some of his Scouting home work so we would not have to do it at home.  This is part of trying to be the "Efficient Mom".  We started in the book and as 5 minutes passed Gavin started to fidget.  His hands were on the table touching everything, touching the large red glass diamond that is supposed to be more like a paper weight, touching the flowering cactus because "it did not look real said Gavin", even touching me...I finally stopped suddenly and said abruptly "stop touching everything and lets read this Boy Scout stuff together".
Up until now Gavin was yawning.  His eyes widened and his hands quickly retracted to his chest like a robot receiving his command and obeying his master.  I continued to read aloud. Gavin's arms slowly reached up in the air trying not to reach to the table of stuff in front of him. Gavin's eyes slowly wandered up above his head and over to his right, over to the brick wall where the oil portrait lived.  Interrupting me Gavin asked as he pointed to the PENLEY signature "What does that say?"
I sighed and responded "It says Penley."
"What does that mean?"
Haaaaaaaa! I sighed again. Not wanting to be the mom that fusses 24/7, I answered. "It is the artist signature. That is the person who did the art work."
I went on to  explain Penley's local roots and style of painting to Gavin when he reached up and put his hand on a clump of dried paint as if he were going to pick it off like a scab!   I WAS MORTIFIED!!!!!!
We were being quiet up until now when I wanted to yell but I didn't.  I raised my hand which in the book of mommy sign language delivers, quite effectively I might add, the you will get a spanking if you continue message with out saying a single word.  My brows were furrowed, my lips flattened but pursed and my nose was squinched up so tight that one might think I resembled the Grinch when he is disgusted by Christmas.
Gavin even more quickly this time retracted his hand and held both fists close to his chest.  He knew by my mommy sign that he was doing something very very bad!
"What? What?" he asked.
"Gavin, I NEVER EVER want to see your hands on any art work ever again, especially a painting!"  "But Why Mommy?"
 Because it is art!  The oils on your fingers will transfer to the painting and ruin it over time and how am I to explain the clump of paint missing from the portrait if you had picked it off!  Do you know how expensive art is!  It is something people cherish in their homes and they don't want their art damaged by other people!"
I changed my tone and continued "Please don't do that again!"
I could see Gavin's face turning from being scared he was doing something wrong to being mad about something else.  His arms went from up at his chest to folded across his body. His posture went form straight upright to leaning back like he had this one all wrapped up. His head  was now tilted back and cocked to the side.  Now his lips pursed and his head nodded in disgusted at me!
Gavin's response was classic Gavin!
"Really Mom!... Well what about Felipe the Flower?"
There was a long pause waiting for my response.
Gavin then continued:  "What about Poopy the Platypus?  Huh? Auhhh! What about Zingof, Fogniz and The Kevin?"
I looked at him confused "What?"
"You know MOM!!!  Felipe?....Oh and then there is Gogizeenie, Gagazieenie and Googizeer too Mom!" All this was said with an accusatory tone.   Like I am guilty of something.  Like I have a double standard. Gavin can't do it but Mommy can  kind  of thing.
My eyes shifted back and fourth trying to think of a response that would defend  my actions.  "I am not sure I know what you are talking about Gavin!"
Again in accusing tone.. ."Mom ...my art work?... at home Mom?
I paused trying to recollect the memory of his artwork.
"The ones I wanted to make 100 copies of for people to buy and you wouldn't let me."
Now it was all coming back. I began to smile and giggle. That would be the I am caught guilty giggle.

Poopy The Platypus

Gogizeenie, Gagizeenie, & Googizeer

The Kevin, Zingof & Fogniz

Gavin continued to scold me... "Every time I show them to you, your hands are all over them and then you just stack 'em up and (slight pause) .....sometimes I find some of my art in the trash."  "MOM??!!!"

My eyes shifted side to side.  I am guilty! He is right! I do do that!
"Gavin" I said, "I am so sorry! I did not realize how important those pieces of art were to you!"  Of course I am giggling the hole time. "I will cherish your art and be more respectful to your stuff and I am sorry!"
In his very sweet 9 year old voice Gavin replies "It's OK Mommy!"
I laughed about what just happened. Sammy is now finished with his lesson and it is Gavin's turn. Off he skips with the "I won smile" on his face.
Hey!!! How did he just turn that whole thing around on me!

Did You Know: Today is Diwali in India. Happy Diwali!

Diwali

The word "Diwali" is a contraction of "Deepavali", originating from the Sanskrit word Dīpāvalī. Translated it means "Row of Lights". Hence the Diwali Festival is also called the "Festival of Lights". Diwali is the name for the festival in North-India. In South-India the festival is called "Deepavali".

What is Diwali Celebration

Diwali celebrates to victory of the Good over the Evil and Light over Darkness. Is has a major religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains alike - not only in India, but also for Indians living abroad.
In the western (gregorian) calendar, Diwali falls on a day in October or November every year - just after the monsoon season in India. The celebration in festival form lasts a full 5 days. The exact date of Diwali varies and is being calculated based on the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar (according to the positions of the Sun and the Moon). The day of Diwali falls on Ashvina Amavasya (the lunar day of new moon) on 15 Ashvin (Hindu month). This date also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, and many businesses in India starting a new accounting year on the Diwali holiday.

In India, not much gets done because absolutely everyone is celebrating Diwali.
Happy Diwali!!! 

How Cool Is This: Try This In The Sand At The Beach

Next time you go to the beach remember to pack some foam cushions, a table cloth, luminaries with candles and tiki torches. This looks like it would be so fun to do at the beach! I found this picture on one of the Pinterest Boards but don't know where it originated from. I knew everyone would love this idea so I decided to post it for you to see. I can't wait to try it out.

Gavin's Tail Twister #42: Be The Bigger Man Gavin!

Big brother Sam is twelve. That is three and a half years older than sweet baby Gavin. Since the day Gavin was born, Sam has been constantly picking on his little brother. It all started with an innocent "let me toss my big metal Tonka Truck into Gavin's crib(when he is 3 months old) for him to play with" and "oops it bonked him on the head and made him cry. Hey let me see what else I can do to him." This one act led into many incidences over the last eight years.

In Gavin's defense, the poor child has had to build up a repertoire of insults for Sam to combat his constant heckling. Finally, after eight years of abuse, Gavin has taken about all he could handle. Gavin has finally got enough size on him to compete physically. Now Gavin has great GROSS MOTOR SKILL but no fine. You can only imagine what that must look like.

What does a parent do with brothers that wake up in the morning and start their day insulting each other which ultimately winds up with shoving, yelling, crying and tattling. We have tried putting them in their room, taking away their computer, talking to them and then now we are yelling at them. By the way that does nothing but contribute to the violence and make everything louder.

Finally one day Canadian Man Bill said to Gavin "Just say Thank You Sam, May I have Another?".

"I tried but that doesn't work. Sammy keeps saying stuff like your face is so ugly, it's scaring all the little kids."

"Just take the high road Gavin. Be the bigger man!"

What does that mean Gavin asked. Bill immediately hollered "Uuuusshhh! How what does be the bigger man mean?"

As I was pondering the answer saying "well....."

Gavin blurts out " you mean like Ghandi dad?"

Bill looks to Gavin and says "that is exactly what I mean!!!"

Later Bill says to me in a somewhat accusatory tone " Who told Gavin about Ghandi and how would he know what kind of person Ghandi was?"

Now why would he suspect me....just because I have some Indian blood in me doesn't mean I'm talking all about the home country all the time. Ha! I'd say that was profiling going on right here in my own home. Good thing he's my baby's daddy!

RECIPES: STIR- FRY SPINACH ORZO PASTA SALAD

Need to get your spinach in? Here is how!

Make the Spinach Stir-Fry and eat it by itself or combine the stir-fry with Orzo pasta and fresh salad ingredients to make a fantastic pasta salad that your friends will rave about.

Spinach Stir-Fry:

1 bag (6 oz) washed ready to use fresh

spinach (chopped in strips) set aside

1Tbs Olive Oil

1 Clove crushed garlic

1/8 C. red onion chopped small

1 pint grape tomato cut in halves

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper

Pasta:

1 cup Orzo (about 2.5 cups cooked)

Fresh Salad Mix:

1 6-inch piece of celery chopped in small pieces

1 green onion cut in slivers

2 Tbs fresh dill chopped fine

2 Tbs favorite Italian dressing

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

Spinach Stir-Fry:

Heat oil on medium high. Add garlic saute for 30 sec.

add red onion and saute for 90 sec

Add cut tomatoes and seer each side stirring frequently ( about 3 min)

Add cut spinach saute until spinach just wilts.

Add sea salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, and cracked pepper. Stir and remove from heat and set aside.

Pasta:

Cook Orzo pasta al dente (about 6 minutes) in boiling water with 1tsp salt and 1/2 tsp olive oil.

Drain and rinse with cold water and set aside.

Salad Mix:

Combine celery, green onion, dill, Italian dressing, pine nuts, and feta. Set aside.

Combine Spinach Stir-Fry with Orzo pasta. Toss in the fresh salad mix ingredients.

Refrigerate and Serve when you are ready to eat.

Gardening: HOW TO DO THIS!!

Coming Soon!!!!

Watch This #3: Sophia Grace and Rosie Sing 'Super Bass' with Nicki Minaj

Click here the picture above to see the cutest little girls sing 'Super Bass' with Nicki Minaj.

Baseball Problem Solved #4: Making Contact With the Ball, Here's The Drill

Listen up League Moms! If you want to help your little baseball/softball player make contact with the ball, here is a little game/drill for you to practice in the back yard.

1. Have your child stand over a make believe home plate with bat in hand and ready to receive the next pitch. Take a bucket of balls and mark each ball with quarter size colored permanent marker in 2 or 3 spots. Each ball should have a different color on it.

2. Pitch to your child having them just ready to hit but not actually swing...just watch the ball as it comes by.

3. They are to identify the color on each ball as it passes over the plate, holler out the color and confirm correct as it is caught by Dad.

4. Do not hide any part of the ball as you pitch and as it is being caught. The point of this game is to train your player to keep his/her eyes on the ball and all the way into the catchers glove.

Many players watch the ball until it gets to the plate then close their eyes or look to where they want to hit it. By keeping one's eyes on the ball all the way to the catcher, your player will be less likely to loose site of the ball during real play. This will help them to make more consistent contact with the ball.

Did You Know: That Valentines Originated From A Final Love Letter Signed... Sincerely, Your Valentine!

Where did Valentine's Day Originate? Was it a made up holiday for stores to make more money? Was it a special day created to break up the monotony of winter or was it something a wife started to get special attention from her mate.

Well Sammy came home today with many theories but he said the one that sounded the most believable was this one.

Back in Roman times, men were unable to marry because they were needed to fight as warriors not become domesticated servants to family and home life. Saint Valentine married against the law. Such crime was punishable by death. So, to death he was sentenced and in the last letter written to the love of his life he signed...

Sincerely,

Your Valentine!

I like this theory best too Sammy!

Gavin Tale Twister #41: Sammy NEVER has my back!

This evening Gavin and I sat sadly on my office couch and remembered our beloved dog Louie. After we ate Mac and Cheese, we felt better. Gavin asked in a sad voice "Mom, do you think Carson would accept a friend request from me?" Carson(12) is a family friend who hangs around Sammy (12) but by default has to spend time with Gavin as well. Gavin loves hanging out with the older boys but they don't really enjoy his 3rd grade humor.

"Well... I think Carson would and you know what?..." I said.

"What?" asked Gavin.

"When you guys get older like in college, you will find that you are going to be friends with a lot of the same people and it won't matter that you are 3 years younger. It only matters now because y'all are so young."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well when you were still in diapers Sammy and Carson were playing Tee-Ball but when y'all are all in college you will all be studying and going to the same pizza place for dinner, living together, talking about sports together and helping each other out in times of need."

Gavin rolled his eye into his head to search for relevant data from his big brain and spouted out "but when I am a freshman, Sammy will be a senior... that means he'll have my back for only 1 year." He stopped talking abruptly as his eyes rolled into his head for more relevant data and out came "oh yea Sammy NEVER has my back so it won't matter!!"

Gavin Tale Twister #40: That's For Bananas Mom!

Gavin (8) and I were sitting at the computer this morning entering data about Gavin so 10 years from now we can see how much he has grown. We got to the ENTER WEIGHT part and I asked Gavin if he remembered how much he weighed when he went to the doctor just a couple months ago. He said he couldn't remember! So I took a guess. "Maybe around 125 pounds Gavin?" Immediately Gavin's defenses went up. "MOM! I only weigh 90 or even maybe 70 pounds!" Does't that sound like an 8 year old's comment or what?

"Gavin! That is not true! Maybe it was like 105 or 108 something like that?"

"No way MOM!... Maybe it was 95!"

It was as if his weight was a negotiation. (So...Remember we had a fire 6 months ago and have no scale in the house so we can't just go into the bathroom and hop on the scale.)

"Alright Gavin maybe we need to go to the store and weigh ourselves on one of those scales so we can get an accurate number."

Gavin chuckles and walks away as he says "Ah Mom, your so silly! That's for bananas not people!"

He did not just say that!!!

Gavin Tale Twister #39: The Tooth Fairy and Dad

Tonight Gavin lost a tooth. At bed time... naturally... he was in our bed with his tooth in a zip lock snack bag. Canadian Man Bill was worried the Tooth Fairy wouldn't be able to find Gavin's zip lock (or maybe forget to stop by like has happened so many times before) so he said to Gavin:

"Gavin, why don't you give me your tooth and I will keep it safe under my pillow where we know the Fairy will be able to find it."

Gavin's immediate response "No way Dad! If the tooth is under your pillow. The Tooth Fairy will probably leave $20 bucks. Then you'll take the twenty and replace it with a five. I think I'll just keep the tooth safe and sound with me under my own pillow. Good Night Dad!"

That Tooth Fairy better not forget to stop by! Gulp!!!!

RECIPES: CUMIN SPICED GREEN BEANS

1 Tbs Olive Oil

1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds

1/4 cup onion chopped fine (optional)

1 Family Size (24 oz) Frozen Cut Frozen Green Beans

1 tsp cumin powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder (don't get this on your clothes or it will never come out)

1/2 tsp salt

1 large fresh squeezed Lemon (about 4 Tbsp)

Heat Olive Oil on Med Hi

Drop in Cumin Seeds

Immediately add onions and saute for 1 min

Add Frozen Green Beans and saute for 5 minutes until all beans are soft

Sprinkle cumin, turmeric, and salt. Sautee for 10 more minutes.

Squeeze lemon over beans.

Serving Suggestions: Serve as a vegetable side with grilled chicken, steak or shrimp. Serve over 1/4 cup brown rice for a healthy side.

RECIPES: VIDALIA ONION DIP (Super Bowl Party Perfect)

THIS IS NOT MY ORIGINAL RECIPE SO I WOULD NOT USUALLY POST THIS ON MY BLOG SITE BUT BECAUSE I SO MANY HAVE ASKED ME FOR THIS RECIPE, I FINALLY DECIDED TO POST IT. I GOT IT FROM MY DEAR FRIEND KELLY AND I AM SO THANKFUL THAT SHE SHARED BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE DIPS TO MAKE. I ALWAYS HAVE THESE ITEMS IN THE HOUSE IN CASE WE HAVE UNEXPECTED COMPANY. IT IS A SUPER HIT EVERY TIME I MAKE IT.

1 Block Cream Cheese (Room Temperature)

1 (2cup) Bag Kraft Italian Blend Shredded Cheese (Publix brand is fine too)

2 Heaping Tbs Mayonaise

1 Extra Large Sweet Onion (I like Vidalia) Grossly Chopped

1/2 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Transfer to a 8x8 glass baking dish.

Bake for 1 hour until bronze on top and bubbling in the middle.