Home and Garden

Your kitchen, more than any other room in your home, needs a good well thought out lighting plan. Today''s kitchens have many more functions than just cooking a meal. For many families it is the most frequently used room in the house. Besides the obvious preparation of meals, kitchens today are also a place for the kids to do homework, parents to pay the bills, reading, eating and watching TV. For this reason it is important that the light not only be adequate but flexible.

The first place to start in any room when devising a lighting plan is to address general lighting. This is the light that will be used most of the time. In the case of a very small kitchen, one light in the center of the room will provide the general light. With most of today''s kitchens being larger, a single light fixture in the center of the room probably won''t satisfy your lighting needs. The most common solution is recessed lighting. Depending on what part of the country you are in they may be called high hats or pot lights or can lights. All these terms mean the same thing. Recessed lighting is a good way to provide general lighting in a kitchen in a neat and clean way.

The placement of the lights is very important. When designing a layout for the general lighting in a kitchen, we want to take into account the areas where tasks will be done. This includes counters, islands and tables. In most cases, by designing the light to illuminate these areas, the rest of the room gets a good spread of general light as well. Try to have the recessed lights fall out on the ceiling so that they are directly above the outside edge of the cabinets. The key here is getting the lights close enough to the work area so that you don''t create a shadow with your body. Putting the lights to far away from the counters is a sure formula for shadows. Don''t overlook any nooks that may be dark.

Islands can provide a great outlet for adding a decorative fixture or fixtures to the room. There are a multitude of pendants to choose from that can really enhance the room. I find it is probably one of the most commented on aspects of a kitchen lighting plan when the homeowner sees the finished product. Simply installing 2 or 3 pendants in line over an island can be quite stunning.

Many Florida residents that have come from the North are surprised by the idea of roof cleaning - and even more surprised by the fact that many communities here in Florida require it. Reasons for cleaning include aesthetics, property values, energy efficiency, and increased longevity of the roof.

Whatever the main reason, if it is going to be done, it is your best interest to know what choices are available to you. A quality roof should last upwards of 30 years if cared for and maintained properly. Unfortunately, many roofs here in Florida (and increasingly throughout the US) are subjected to unnecessary stress while cleaning the greatly reduces the life expectancy of the roof. With repeated roof cleaning comes certain pitfalls that every homeowner, property manager, and professional cleaner should be aware of in order to avoid damage to property, unnecessary repair costs, and the premature replacement of the roof.

WHY HAS THE ROOF TURNED BLACK?
The black streaking typically found on homes in areas where moisture settles on shingles is not caused by mildew or fungus; it''s roof algae. 3M scientists have identified the most common form as Gloeocapsa Magma. Algae spores are carried b the wind, which is why so many houses in the neighborhood can end up with this problem. During the last 20 years, this particular algae strain has become hardier and so has been able to migrate to less humid environments than it has in the past. And in areas where it traditionally has been found, the staining is showing up earlier, is more severe and settles on a greater number of roofs.

HOW CAN IT BE CLEANED?
Typical roof cleaning methods involve either pressure cleaning or chemical solutions containing Chlorine Bleach or Sodium Hydroxide. If used properly, these methods will clean the roof with minimal adverse impact - but the effects can be very temporary and will generally have to be repeated every 6-18 months in order to maintain the appearance of the roof.

WHAT IS THE BEST CLEANING METHOD?
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

A chlorine and water solution can be used followed by a thorough rinse. Of course, since chlorine can be toxic to people and plants, proper care should be taken to protect employees and the surrounding property from overspray and runoff. The benefits to using chlorine include a much faster cleaning process and minimal rinsing as compared to other methods. This translates into much less wear & tear on the roof - particularly asphalt shingle roofs.

Bathroom remodeling is often a popular home improvement project for both new and old homeowners. This may include painting, using new countertops, vanities, windows, retiling, floors, appliances, vents or better lighting. Before embarking on a project of remodeling your bathroom, provided below are a few tips and ideas to make the experience even more fruitful.

Planning

Good planning goes a long way in helping achieve the design of your dreams. First decide whether you want to take up the project yourself or bring in the assistance of an interior designer, bathroom remodeling contractor or a home improvement expert. Consider your budget at this stage and also prioritize the aspects you want to remodel. Do you just want to make just a few changes with minor repairs or give your bathroom a whole new look.

The design

Next measure the bathroom for dimensions and to get an idea of how you can make the best use of the space available. Now consider a good design that gives a feeling of class and space to the room. Also remember not to use creativity at the cost of functionality of the bathroom.

Walls and floors

You can consider painting your walls or using ceramic or granite tiles to suit the concept of the bathroom. Popular flooring options include ceramic tiles, linoleum and baseboards.

The appliances

Consider the appliances that need remodeling with respect to the design of the room. You may want to change the lighting, bathtubs, sinks, showers, faucets and toilets with respect to the concept of the entire room. Use appropriate colors and materials.

Other aspects

Finally you may want to consider using some space for storage where you can stack things that you do not want to be visible outside. Use cabinets made of appropriate materials like wood, laminate or metal to suit the design of your bathroom. Besides storage, consider ergonomics and keep modern usage trends in mind for a creative and functional bathroom.

Planning kitchen remodeling
If you are planning to remodel your kitchen then various aspects need to be considered before you begin. Given below is a series of steps and guides you can keep in mind to make kitchen remodeling a fun-filled, constructive event.

A basic plan
A well thought-out detailed plan is a must before you begin remodeling your kitchen. This plan should be designed keeping in view the current good and bad aspects in your kitchen. Next you need to decide whether you plan to design the kitchen yourself, use a kitchen or interior designer or work with a cabinet distributor or home center. Also modern usage trends and optimum usage of space should be kept in mind.

Flooring
Sheet vinyl has been a popular choice for kitchen floors because it is available in a variety of designs, textures, price ranges and colors. This has today replaced linoleum, which was a favorite during earlier days. Ceramic tiles, wooden floors and eco-friendly materials are other good options for good looking and durable flooring.

Optimum workspace
Modern trends show that nowadays couples or nuclear families often cook together and share kitchen chores. Thus workspace in today''s kitchens should be utilized such that more than one person can work efficiently without getting in the other person''s way. You can also create distinct work centers by separating workspaces with sinks, microwave or other appliances.

Storage space
Modern trends also indicate that nowadays with women working out, very few items are cooked from scratch and storage space for items needs to be increased. Thus cabinets have entered the scene in a big way. One can choose from frameless and framed cabinets and can order from custom or standard design makers. Check for rollout, tilt-out and other storage features inside the cabinets.

Kitchen sinks
Sinks are an important element in any kitchen. These are available today in a variety of colors, materials, sizes and design options to suit every pocket. You can choose from cast iron, stainless steel, plastic, and top-mount or under mount models. You can also select from single-bowl, double-bowl, deep and shallow models.

Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a room that Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. Tile floors can be installed in any room, however they are most frequently seen in Bathrooms and Kitchens. I particularly like them in entryways, where they serve as a transition point from the outside to large carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for easy clean up and are impervious to water damage.

Tile Types

Ceramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and Porcelain. Glazed holds up the best for heavy traffic areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. Porcelain is typically more expensive, so consider your budget and the size of the area you want to tile. Tiles also come in many shapes and sizes. For flooring, however, I would suggest using larger tiles up to 12" x 12".

Underlayment

For proper installation the base foundation or the underlayment is critical. Typically it consists of ¾" to 1 ¼" of plywood. Tiling over Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as long as it is solid. I also recommend when Tiling over Linoleum that you first apply ring nails or screws 6" on center over the entire area. Tiles can also be installed directly over Concrete. Make sure in all cases that the floor is level and free of dust and debris prior to installation. There are leveling compounds that you can apply before applying tile if necessary.

Preparing the Site

Before actually installing the tile, it is best to lay it out in the room to see how it will look. Pay close attention to how it runs out toward the walls, in the corners and next to cabinets, tubs and toilets. The trick is to lay the tile out such that stubby tiles do not show up in highly visible spots. Once you have completed this, make two marks with a pencil outlining the most centered tile. These lines should be perpendicular to each other. Also take note of the wall that is most visible from all the others. Now remove the tiles. Next draw or snap a line perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the marks you made on the floor.

Then, draw a perpendicular line to this first line. This second line should be centered with the first line and fairly in line with the second mark you made on the floor. Once you have completed this task, re-layout some of the tiles along the perpendicular lines and observe if they run out in a way that will limit cutting and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, remove the tiles and prepare for the actual installation.

Installing the Tile

Cheap interior design ideas come in many forms these days. From television shows to magazines, the industry is trying to teach the consumer how to design cheap. In the past, ideas such as cheap design shows would have left most interior designers horrified. The industry of interior design has changed dramatically over the past few years in order to better accommodate consumers.

In it''s early to mid stages of evolution, interior design was an industry of prestige. Now, due to the demand for cost-cutting design for the average customer, designing on a budget and cheap interior design has become a topic of much interest and acceptance. Of course, you will always find the designers who absolutely insist that durability and style of a design is identifiable with the name brand associated with the contents therein, which relates back to the price tag. Most everyday people do not relate to this line of thinking therefore it has become increasingly unpopular within the normal ranks of the professionals in the industry.

A secret tool to marvelous rooms created using cheap interior design ideas is good decision making. By purchasing some slightly more expensive key items in a room''s furniture and cost-cutting on the smaller items or accessories you can save big bucks and still achieve the same look that is achieved in other more expensive, name brand rooms. The first question that pops into your mind here is likely to be, alright, simple concept, now where do I buy the bargain items?

Easily answered! Your hunt for cheap interior design ideas and items can begin successfully at any bargain-type store. The stores and availability of items in these stores will vary according to your location. Many times, there are locally known ''bargain bins'' or stores at which you can by slightly-damaged or used items at a fraction of the cost associated with similar store bought items. When buying at these stores, be careful not to overspend. Many of us have a tenancy to get overly enthused and purchase items that are not good bargains or ones that we are not very likely to use. Save your money for where it counts. If you bargain shop for long enough, you will find the perfect items that fit into your lifestyle and space, just waiting for you to purchase!

Interior design for bargain hunters is the new fashionable item in the arena of interior design. Everyone is interested these days in making their money stretch as far as it possibly can. There are many, many possible ways to achieve this. The most important determining factor in your success is the amount of patience and time you are willing to invest in order to find and purchase true items of value and not frivolous purchases which are of significantly less value that you will regret later.

The places you will find most traditional bargain hunters looking for pieces related to interior design are places such as second hand furniture stores, seconds depots, and discount stores. If you shop around in these stores, you are likely to run across great purchases for interior design for bargain hunters. These purchases might include items such as furniture, linens, accessories, and the like. You can even occasionally find bargains on household electronics such as wide screen televisions and stereo systems. Be sure when buying items such as these that they are in useable condition and the fact that they are broken is not the reason they are for sale so cheap.

Another potential place to purchase items for interior design for bargain hunters would be homemade sales such as yard sales, flea markets, auctions, and estate sales. These places are no longer areas where you will find the occasional bargain hunter and enormous amounts of obsolete, valuable items that no one will find but you. Rather, these places have been commercialized as being places to find great deals and even the most common shopper has his or her eyes open for that ''dream'' deal. This being said, these places are still great resources for the bargain hunter who is looking to buy well-conditioned, useable items for a better cost then one would find in a department store.

An aspect of interior design for bargain hunters that many people do not ever even consider is the labor involved with creating the designs. This can include services such as painting, moving, carpet cleaning, ect. Labor prices are the end of interior design that often are the most costly (with the exception of furniture and flooring). Bargain hunting for labor is a bit different then bargain hunting for actual physical items. You might think that perhaps you can afford to hire someone for less actual dollars an hour that possess perhaps less skill then another more expensive worker. This is a tricky aspect of interior design for bargain hunters.

Interior design for children is one of the most fun, delightful aspects of the business if you ask me. It is so fun because children are limitless as far as their creativity and imaginations are concerned. Whenever planning interior design for children, be sure to involve the children in the planning and-if you feel very brave, the implementation of your designs.

A good beginning point or theme for interior design for children is to start with any favorite activity or toy or even character of the child''s interest. Remember that many items of interest to children are topics that will change with time so try to take advantage of these interests and favorites with accessories and changes that will be easy to replace in the future as their interests and needs change. If a child has an interest or a particular activity that they are very enthused about and they have a special request that would make the design very special to them, go for it as long as the parents are as enthusiastic as the child is. Also, forewarn them of any possible headaches they might experience changing it in the future when it comes time to redesign the space in order to accommodate the child''s changing needs.

When choosing your color plan or schemes remember that interior design for children offers you unique opportunities to use bold or bright colors that would usually not be ideal for use in adult surroundings. Along the same lines, certain areas of the room would be more ergonomic to use as focal points then would in an adult''s atmosphere. For example, a chalkboard or toy box might capture a child''s attention more so then would a table or seating arrangement.

Another aspect of design that will vary from adult tastes when planning interior design for children would be the accessories that will be used to highlight and accentuate key features. Toys and collectibles make wonderful objects to use in this application. However, many times toys that are placed on display or for decoration are toys that the child would enjoy much more by being able to play with it rather then it actually being on display. You can solve this dilemma by either using old, unused toys that no longer captivate the child''s interests or even by purchasing duplicates and allowing them to actually use one version of the toy and letting them know that the others are ''for looking only''.

Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments; they feel at home with modern or traditional and will compliment the decor of both minimalist and eclectic designs. Hardwood can be classic, rock, jazz, country, or hip hop. Today''s State-of-the-art technology coupled with an almost limitless choice of stains, finishes, styles and designs makes hardwood flooring one of the most practical and versatile floor coverings available. Their beauty is enduring and like a fine wine, they mature with age.

Nature provides the inspiration when designing with hardwood floors. The abundance of natural hardwood species provides a plethora of wood grain structures, each unique and each matching a particular décor. Oak woods contain a lot of growth ring patterns and knots, and are best suited to traditional and rustic decors. However, adding a high gloss finish can make them elegant enough for any formal dining room. Woods such as Maple, Walnut and Birch contain very little graining and lend themselves well to contemporary and modern designs.

The aesthetic appeal of hardwood is also influenced to a large extent by mineral streaking, the presence of knots and shade and color variation. These features are also used in the classification of hardwoods.

Clear ? This grade of hardwood is free of defects though it may have minor imperfections. Flooring in this category tends to be very consistent with little mineral streaking and knots, also making it the most expensive grade. Select ? This grade is almost clear, but contains more natural characteristics such as knots and color variations.

Common grades (No. 1 and No. 2) have more markings than either clear or select and are often chosen because of these natural features and the character they bring to a room.

No.1 Common has a variegated appearance, light and dark colors, knots, flags and worm holes. No.2 Common is rustic in appearance and will show all wood characteristics of the species. These grades have always been the least expensive, but the recent revival of the antique rustic look has resulted in prices skyrocketing.

Performance is a very important aspect when selecting a hardwood floor. Some hardwood species are less porous than others, making them harder and less susceptible to staining. The Janka Hardness Test provides the relative hardness of numerous wood species used in flooring. This rating should only be used as a general guide, as the hardness is also affected by growth region.

The traditional look of hardwood flooring is timeless; its beauty has brought a sense of comfort and elegance to homes around the world for many generations. Hardwood floors are however pricey, not very durable and require a fair amount of routine maintenance and care. Even the most recent technological advancements in surface treatment have not been able to solve such problems as scratching, fading, denting and staining. This has lead to the invention of laminate flooring. With its machine made construction and hardwood photographic laminated surface, laminate flooring is the perfect solution for the look and appeal of real hardwood floors that are more durable and require less maintenance.

Since the introduction of laminate flooring into the US in 1982, the sector has experienced growth of up to 20% per annum at the expense of other flooring types, making laminate flooring the fastest growing flooring type in the country. Its appeal lies not only in its aesthetic value of its representation of real hardwood, but also due to its incredible durability and ease of maintenance. Laminate flooring is built to withstand the rigors of today''s active lifestyles.

Unlike hardwood, laminate flooring will not stain, fade, dent and is far more scratch and water resistant. Laminate warranties range from 10 years to lifetime and cover such factors as mentioned above. Entry level laminates are designed for light traffic areas and come with warranties ranging from 10 to 15 years. Most people set their expectations too high and expect that an entry level laminate will perform under heavy traffic conditions and still look good for the duration of the warranty. This is however not the case, as an entry level laminate subject to high traffic will start to show wear and tear within three to five years.

Buying the laminate flooring that suits your needs will save you money in the long run. This is not to say that every home requires a high end laminate with an extensive warranty. Consider the amount of traffic as well as the amount of time you intend staying in your current home. There is no point in purchasing an expensive floor with an extended warranty if you plan on moving in the near future. Remember, flooring is usually the first thing replaced by people when moving to a new home.

The design of your office and home has a great influence on your financial success. If your work or living environments are in harmony with nature they have a positive affect on your prosperity.

In nature all five elements (water, fire, earth, air, and space) are in balance. When a home or office is built that balance gets disrupted. Vastu is an ancient architectural science that balances the five elements in any environment bringing maximum productivity and success.

As a part of this earth, we live in a sea of electromagnetic and stellar influences. Every shift produced in the atmosphere has the potential to affect our actions. Every particle of energy in the atmosphere is linked to the next particle. According to Vastu, the sun produces different qualities of energy on its path from east to west and can influence our daily life. Each of the five elements is associated with a direction and each direction has a particular influence on our business activities. Each function of a business is most optimally supported by an individual direction.

The northeast area of you home or offices is linked to the water element and influences your success. The northeast is good for entrances, managerial offices, research and development. If this area has proper Vastu, finances will grow and there will be positive cash flow. If there is a toilet, clutter, heating or lighting systems, or blockage, growth will be slow.

The southeast, which imparts the energy needed to complete transactions, is aligned with the fire element. Kitchens, lunchrooms in offices, computer rooms, heating and lighting systems, and legal matters produce beneficial results in the southeast. When this area is utilized properly, there will be speedy transactions and profits. If there is a missing corner or blockage, transactions will be drawn out and investments will be sluggish.

The southwest area of your office is associated with the earth element and drives your financial support. A master bedroom in a home, offices for the chairman, directors, and supervisors of a business are most effective in the southwest. With proper Vastu in this direction, financial backing will come easily along with secure savings. If there is a toilet or heating source, there will be cash flow problems and depletion of savings.

If you don''t have at least one piece of fine art in your home, then you just have no idea what you are missing out on. Whether an original or reproduction piece, fine art adds warmth, beauty and interest to every room. So why is it that people tend to spend lavishly on furniture, carpets and accessories, but do not provide in their budget for the piece that could be the focal point of the room?

We are indeed fortunate now to have a wide range of fine art available to us on the Internet. In just a few short hours, you can browse museums and galleries around the world to find the fine art painting you love. Reproductions of major artwork are available in several formats, from inexpensive prints to hand-painted oils. All at the touch of a button. You can also find original fine art online, often very inexpensively. Artists who have not yet become famed can exhibit their work at online galleries and reach a much wider audience than would be otherwise possible in smaller bricks and mortar galleries. Bringing a new piece of art into your home is always exciting, but imagine how much more intriguing it would be if it was something you''d discovered for yourself through your own research.

While prints will brighten up a room, you should also consider investing in a real oil painting or another form of original on canvas. Since the Internet allows galleries to show their work to a wide audience with little overhead, real paintings can be had for very reasonable prices. And you''ll find the texture and substance of a painting as opposed to a print to be well worth the added expense. Home decor is a challenge for many home owners so the hardest part is not necessarily coming up with the theme, but tying it all together and making all of the colors, textures and themes combine. In order to decorate your home successfully there are a few things for you to consider.

Remember the old Calgon commercial-"Take me away Calgon!" There''s only one thing that can take you away faster than a Calgon bath, and that''s a scented candle. Whether you want a breath of fresh spring air, or you want to transport yourself to a South Sea paradise minus the hassle of airport security, crowded, delayed flights and lost baggage, grab a scented candle, and travel wherever your imagination leads. Smell is a powerful sense, and you can use it to alter your mood within seconds with the flicker of a candle. In fact, why not keep a supply of scented candles in the bathroom when you don''t have time to luxuriate in the bathtub. Envelope yourself in fragrance while you shower, dry and blow-dry.

Close your eyes and think of each season: winter, spring, summer and fall each evoke special "scentual" memories. If it''s the dead of winter and you''ve already suffered through 73 days of snow cover, light a piña colada candle or a seaside candle and pop in your favorite Beach Boys CD. Inhale the scents of summer and forget about the cold for a few divine moments. Select a delicate floral candle or maybe a rain forest scent to remind you that April showers are right around the corner. If it''s 102° F in the shade, there''s nothing like a pine-scented candle to send a quick shiver up your back. Longing for fall? Light a pumpkin candle to evoke the Harvest Moon and the bounty of autumn. Whatever the occasion you''d like to recreate, it''s only a candle away. That''s the power of the sense of smell.

Holidays are incomplete without candles. If you think back to your favorite holiday gatherings, your mind will probably wander to your favorite scents. Think about your favorite Christmas tree, and you''re bound to remember the crisp smell of pine or cedar. The traditional holiday season from Thanksgiving to the New Year provides a natural cornucopia of fragrance. From pumpkin pie to peppermint ice cream to vanilla, the scents of the holiday season are everywhere.

Perhaps you use an artificial tree instead of a fresh-cut tree each year. Simulate the scent of a Frazier fir with candles. Artificial trees are getting closer to their natural kissing cousins with each passing season, but they remain "flat" without the accompanying scent. They just can''t bring the smell of Christmas into a home like the real thing. Light a few pine or cedar candles, and voila-you may never miss the genuine article.

For some people, a fireplace might as well be a video of flaming logs. Their primary interest is the welcoming ambiance a fireplace''s blaze presents. If, however, you expect your fireplace to provide heat in exchange for your log-carrying, fire-building efforts, (or in the case of gas logs, in exchange for your gas bill), it''s time to maximize your fireplace''s heat output.

There are various contraptions designed to return more of a wood or gas fireplace''s heat into the room and stanch the flow of that precious heat from escaping up the chimney. Many of them involve fans and vents and considerable expense. But one of the most time-honored, hassle-free, and least expensive methods of increasing a fire''s heat output is making a comeback: the fireback.

A fireback is a sheet of metal, sized in proportion to the fireplace, that''s placed against your back fireplace wall. Firebacks can be set on the hearth''s floor and just leaned against the back fireplace wall, but often they are secured by placing them in supporting braces which keep the fireback from sliding. Firebacks come in two main styles: the cast iron fireback and the stainless steel fireback.

The traditional cast iron fireback, popular in earlier times and making a revival now, is a sheet of heavy, black, cast iron. Often they are cast with a design, such as a fleur de lis or eagle, to add a decorative touch to this functional fireplace accessory.

The cast iron firebacks work on the same principle as heating radiators. The metal is heated (by hot water in the case of radiators and by the fire in the case of firebacks), and then that heat is radiated into the room.

Although attractive and functional, the cast-iron firebacks are too heavy for many people to manage easily. Their weight also adds to their shipping costs, and therefore to their total price.

A more modern fireback design, one that is growing in popularity, is made of a sheet of very gently curved, tempered stainless steel. These stainless steel firebacks warm your room in two ways. First, like the cast iron firebacks, they radiate the heat of the fire forward into the room. But they also reflect the heat, as well as the light, of the fire into the room.

Shopping for window shutters can become confusing because of the huge variety of materials used and promoted as superior. The construction methods of a shutter unit, including the materials used, contributes greatly to the overall cost of shutters purchased. However, a well-constructed unit made out of high-quality materials will also last longer and look better than something less than ideal. Following is an outline of various woods and synthetic materials that are often used in building shutters.

Basswood Shutters
(Tilia Americana Linnaeus, or the American Linden)

Basswood is absolutely the best wood for building window shutters. The Basswood tree can be found from Quebec south to Delaware and the Atlantic coast west to Eastern Kentucky with an average height of 65 feet. Basswood is a renewable resource and careful forest management ensures tree harvesting is done responsibly, balancing growth with removal. Each year the United States grows about twice as much hardwood as it harvests. Basswood shutters are very straight and has a fine uniform texture with an indistinct grain. Basswood machines well and is easy to work, and screws and glues well and can be sanded and stained to a smooth finish. It dries fairly rapidly with little distortion. Basswood has fairly high shrinkage but good dimensional stability when dry.

Popular uses for basswood include drafting tables, broom handles, carvings, turnings, furniture, moldings, millwork, musical instruments, woodenware, food containers, and surfboards.

General Basswood shutter characteristics:

Does not warp Lightweight yet very strong Uniform grain for a beautiful stain finish Low in resin and tannin which may bleed through finish Renewable resource which is replenished as it is harvested Superior gluing and finishing properties

Oak Shutters

Oak shutters are very heavy. Oak shutters add much weight to window jambs and screws require pre-drilling. Oak shutters are not suitable for painting. Oak shutter louvers tend to warp.

nstalling exterior shutters is a relatively quick way to add style and color to the outside of a house. Historical and modern houses alike benefit from the timeless style of shutters. As with any home improvements, the quality and longevity of an addition should be evaluated before proceeding.

Exterior shutters are available in many shapes and materials. Vinyl shutters are easily available at most home improvement stores, and they can be a cost-effective option. However, vinyl shutters often look like plastic, they are not useful as operable shutters, and they cannot be stained.

Shutters are also made out of many types of wood. The best wood for exterior use is cedar because of its outstanding durability and resistance to decay. Cedar gives long service with little maintenance in applications such as mud sills, window sashes, sheathing under stucco or brick veneer construction, greenhouse benches, fencing, poles, trellises, and exterior shutters. Cedar is also used extensively for exterior siding because it is dimensionally stable and holds paint well, in addition to being a deterrent to bugs.

The tannin (oil) in incense cedar is what makes it such a good wood for exterior shutters. It helps prevent moisture penetration and bugs hate it. However, shutters should not be left unprotected. Rather, it is best to finish the shutters before installation so all surfaces can be fully covered. While paint can be brushed, it is recommended that it be sprayed. Most house painters will spray shutters with their airless spray systems for latex paint.

The best base is a primer coat of an oil-based primer tinted as close to the final color as possible. The oil penetrates into the wood, offering better protection. It can be applied in a much finer mist, thereby reaching between and around louvers and into seams, joints and corners. The top two coats should be a premium-grade exterior latex paint. A topcoat of exterior latex paint will not chalk or fade like an oil-based paint. If shutter caps will be used, paint them as well since the top edge of shutters is the most vulnerable to moisture penetration.

While there is great value in installing custom-made interior wood window shutters, sometimes they are still too expensive for certain applications. Some alternatives ? including poly or vinyl shutters ? are less expensive but also much less attractive. For a high-quality solution at a lower cost, look for a company that sells individual solid wood shutter panels that can be installed in any configuration.

When shopping for individual shutter panels, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The most important factor is the material used to make the interior shutter panels. Basswood has the best characteristics for window shutters because it is a very straight hard wood with little distortion. Basswood also has a fine, uniform texture and indistinct grain, which make it superior for staining or painting. You should also look for a company that can make a large number of panel sizes so you can receive the best final fit for your window.

How To Determine Individual Panel Sizes to Order

It is best to determine how you will mount your shutters before ordering the shutter panels. Sometimes it is necessary to use hanging strips to attach shutters to the outside of the window opening. A reputable company will provide information about different installation methods so you can determine how best to install on a specific window.

Width:
Measure the width of the area you want the shutters to cover (NOT including any trim strips).

1. Divide this width by the number of panels you want across the window. This will give you the approximate width of each panel. Round this measurement up to the nearest 1/4 inch.

Example:
Width = 36-7/16"
Divide by 4 and round up to nearest 1/4"
Order (4) shutter panels 9-1/4" wide

Thread count is the most widely referred to term when searching for those "perfect sheets." Generally, the higher the thread count, the more costly you''ll find the sheets. But is thread count the real measure of luxury bedding?

Thread count is only one factor in the equation of luxury bedding. The qualities of the fabric are what put the luxury in your sheets. There are, however, two main types of fabrics and they are natural and manufactured. Luxury bedding is almost exclusively made from high-quality natural fabrics such as Egyptian cotton.

Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. A higher count usually indicates a finer thread. It is the finer thread that gives a sheet its softer feel, unless chemical finishers are used. These chemical finishes, which are often used on cheaper sheets, will make the sheets initially appear to be silky smooth, but after a couple washings the finish will wear off. Chemical finishes are also detrimental to those who have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies. In reality thread count is mostly a measure of a sheet''s softness and not necessarily its quality. For example a 340 thread count sheet made with Egyptian cotton can feel as smooth as a 400 thread count sheet made with cheaper cotton. Does this mean that a low grade cotton sheet with 800 TC fabric feels twice as smooth as 400?

Not necessarily. If you have been shopping for luxury bedding you may have seen advertisements for 800 + TC sheets. This number can be misleading. These sheets achieve a super high thread count by adding multiple plies of fabric together. While these sheets are smooth, they are not as proportionally smooth as the high number would lead one to believe. The added plies increase the durability of the sheet which may be necessary if the bedding is made from low quality materials. High quality fabrics will be made with high quality fibers which are strong and tightly weaved. The best fabrics are generally going to have a thread count between 300 and 350.

Upholstery fabric will put some new life into your old and ragged furniture. If you notice that your furniture has been starting to look a little worn and shaggy recently, upholstery fabric may be just what you are looking for. There are seven different types of natural upholstery fabric: Linen, leather, cotton, wool, cotton blend, vinyl, and silk.

There are also six synthetic forms of upholstery fabrics: Acetate, acrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, and rayon. As a general rule, cotton is best if small children will frequently use the furniture, as it provides good resistance to wear, fading, and pilling. If adults will usually use the furniture, then silk may be a better bet. However, for the best all-round upholstery fabric, many people chose Olefin, for its good looks and durability. Also consider the cost savings form using wholesale fabric upholstery.

Tips on finding the right Upholstery Fabric for your home.

Have you ever seen a beautiful house or office building and wondered who did the work? Have you ever wished that you could do some of the work that you''ve seen elsewhere? Many people wonder what it would be like to be an Interior Designer, but they rarely ever go beyond thinking about it.

If you really want to know if Interior Design is right for, this book will be your comprehensive guide to the ins and outs of the business. In this book, you will learn what it takes to be an Interior Designer, what it costs to get certified, you will get all the techniques on how to get started, and much, much more.

An interior Designer is a consultant. You are there to design an environment as well as explaining to your client what the project will entail and what you will need to do to make it a success. You must educate your client about interior design.

You have obviously given the idea of being an Interior Designer serious thought or you wouldn''t be reading this. Of course, like most people, you are probably wondering whether or not it is the right choice for you. I can guarantee you, that after you''ve read this, you will know for sure if Interior Design is the right career choice for your future.

Interior Design can be a very lucrative career choice for the right person. You might be wondering exactly what an Interior Designer does. It is really simple. An Interior Designer creates, organizes, and designs commercial and/or residential properties. Basically, an interior designer works with the interior of a particular space, such as rooms, offices, boardrooms, and various other internal spaces. Here is a list of some of the places that interior designers can work in.

* Hotels
* Banks
* Restaurants
* Stadiums
* Arenas

This doesn''t seem very broad, but think of all of the other types of homes and businesses that I didn''t mention. The possibilities are truly endless in this field. Interior Designers do more than just decorate a space. In some cases they can add extra rooms, design patios and gazebos, add or remove wall space, and they spend a great deal of time networking with people.

Babies, babies, babies-yes the topic of this article is based on interior design for nurseries. The new arrival of a baby brings a time of thankfulness and joy into all parents'' lives. It also brings to mind an important question: where will the nursery be?!? Once the actual space has been decided upon, the next concern will be color scheme and furniture. Before you make all of your choices concerning the new arrival''s bedroom quarters, keep these important tips in mind.

To begin with, the gender of a baby will may influence the color scheme used in the room and this will not be something that will be able to be determined right away so either neutral colors should be used or the painting of the walls and purchasing of the accessories should be prolonged. Keep in mind not to wait too long if it is your intention to paint the room. You will want to be sure to allow any noxious fumes time to disperse before bringing baby home and actually using the nursery. The safety of the child should be one of the main elements involved in the planning of interior design for nurseries. Keep this aspect in mind as you make every choice involved with your design.

Fortunately for the early birds, the traditional ''pink for girls and blue for boys'' theme is not the happening thing in interior design for nurseries these days. Sure, pink is still associated with girls and blue is still normally in tune with boys design but the strict adherence to these rules is no longer the norm. A complimentary mixture of these colors is the basis of most contemporary designs. There is no reason to limit the possibilities of colors used in interior design for nurseries based on old traditions. Exposure to color in the nursery is your baby''s first environmental experience and it has been confirmed by doctors and scientists alike that this exposure aids in your baby''s development.

Stenciling is a method that has been and still is very popular in interior design for nurseries. Almost any of your neighborhood crafting stores should have a sizeable supply of stencil designs that you can easily use to create a ceiling-level or mid-level border around your baby''s nursery. If you are feeling a little more ambitious, there are many more intricate nursery themed designs that you can purchase in stores or even online that will require a little more time but produce astonishingly impressive designs. If this is still too little work for you, then go all out and create your own stencil patterns by sketching them first onto mat board and then cutting them out with an Exacto knife.

Beginning interior design is a challenging, exciting adventure that one must be willing to endure sacrifices and even at times costly mistakes in order to complete this learning successfully.

If interior design is an activity that you are thinking about as a potential career, you owe it to yourself to invest the proper amount of time and energy into educating yourself in the field of creative design. If you are interested in learning about creative design for other reasons, such as designing your own space or home, it is better that you focus your attention on the particular area of design that is pleasing to you.

This being said, if you have the time and energy and would like to learn more about overall designing, then hey, go for it! You might become so good at it that it might be a potential career for you as well!

In any case, beginning interior design is not for the ''curious'' entrepreneur who does not possess the patience to learn the essential elements and makeup of nicely formed design. It is instead, an employment that is mainly composed of educated, prestigious professionals who care greatly about their work and are passionate with their creativity.

A good starting point for beginning interior design is the object of much controversy in the industry. Many professionals moan and groan that there are too many ill-qualified persons out there representing themselves to the consumer as legitimate designers when they do not have a formal education in the subject.

I agree that many people represent themselves as having a grasp or an understanding of the field, while they are clearly incompetent. However, I do not agree that formal education shapes and molds the best designers. The best designers possess the ability to design before they are even able to understand the concept of interior design.

Beginning interior design for these candidates is basically giving them the tools to do what they naturally understand how to do already. These people are blessed with an internal sense of creative design. Beginning interior design to them is a natural process. These are the designers that seem to outperform and outshine all other designers.

If you feel as if you are not part of this group of gifted individuals and still have a yearning or driving force to learn about this growing industry, then beginning interior design is a very doable activity as long as you are open minded and dedicated to improving your knowledge and understanding of design.

Decorating a baby room is a wonderful opportunity to create a carefree hideaway - a place of slumber and lullabies.

BABY ROOM THEMES?

From Tropical Jungle to Noah''s Ark, Teddy Bears to Winnie the Pooh: There are many delightful baby room themes to choose from - any one will spark enthusiasm and generate exciting nursery decorating ideas.

But decorating the baby room can be daunting: There''s so much choice - nursery bedding sets, furnishings, nursery wall décor and accessories of all kinds! Also young children can soon outgrow even the most enchanting baby room themes.

NURSERY DÉCOR?

Co-ordinated nursery bedding sets and matching accessories can make easy work of decorating a baby room, ensuring nursery décor is effective and harmonious.

But mixing and matching presents the opportunity for more imaginative nursery decorating ideas - and it''s fun! The key to success with ''mix and match'' nursery décor is to select elements - baby nursery pictures, fabrics and accessories - that share color and pattern elements.

Basing nursery décor on neutral wall and floor coverings enables endless variations: Keeping baby room decorating ideas flexible makes it easy to adapt to a young child''s developing interests.

By changing just the accessories - nursery bedding sets, pictures and rugs - different nursery decorating ideas can be developed without all the upheaval of a major redecorating project. For a while, at least, baby room themes can grow with your child!

COLOR SCHEMES?

Young children love bright primary colors but large areas can be overwhelming. Decorating the baby room with a subtle, calm color scheme is usually a better choice. Introducing warm colors - rose, peach or primrose - into your baby room decorating ideas will help create a feeling of coziness.

While decorating the baby room with the cool colors - aqua, mint or sky blue - can create a feeling of spaciousness. But it is probably best to keep ideas based on this color range for a room with a warm, sunny aspect.

Give your home a luxurious feel with a beautiful laundry room. Even if you hate doing the laundry, you cannot deny that there IS a certain amount of satisfaction from transforming a bunch of dirty things into fresh and fragrant clothes! Put these items in your laundry room and feel the difference!

-a few plants

-adequate shelving

-a rug or piece of carpet to stand on

-an ironing area

-large folding table

-music

-framed art or prints

-a pretty dish to catch clutter and extraneous pocketed items

-a trash can (continually clean the lint from the dryer)

-GOOD LIGHTING, lamps, etc.!!!

-laundry sorters

-a bulletin board for laundry codes

-decorative tins/boxes for laundry detergent and soap

-laundry baskets

-a clothes line

-a rolling cart for extra supplies

If you can, put the laundry room on the same floor as the bedrooms. A laundry chute is an amazing laundry room organizing tool. It so much easier to streamline the laundering process with these two luxuries!

Find a good carpenter or contractor who can do this for you. You can find a prescreened, quality contractor at: http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com/nationalcontractors

Also, good lighting is perhaps THE most essential laundry room organizing tool. I recently found a great handy man who installed more lighting in my laundry room and what a difference it made. Now I can actually see my laundry!

Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout the United Kingdom and the world in the 21st century. Around for over three hundred years, conservatories work to provide a lovely transition between the main residence and the natural surroundings abutting the home. In this article we look at the thee main types of materials used for conservatories ? pvcu, aluminum and hardwood.

PVCu

Through the years, many different types of materials have been utilized in the construction of conservatories. Stone, brick and wood have all been popular materials and widely used in the construction of elegant and functional conservatories down through the past three centuries. In recent years, aluminum has become widely used in the construction of conservatories. Most recently, a substance which has become known as PVCu has been widely used in the construction of conservatories throughout the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.

In considering this article, one might wonder about the composition of PVCu. "PVC" stands for "Poly Vinyl Chloride." Poly Vinyl Chloride is a chemical compound consisting of chlorine, carbon and hydrogen. The "u" appended at the end of the moniker stands for "unplasticised" or "unmodified." In layman''s terms, this means that the material or product has not been injected with additional chemicals called plasticizers. Plasticizers are designed to soften materials. PVCu is derived essentially from petroleum or natural gas and common salt. Most PVCu systems are reinforced with aluminum.

As mentioned in this article, PVCu has become the most popular choice of construction material for conservatories in the U.K. and elsewhere today. One of primary reasons that PVCu conservatories have become so popular is because of its relatively inexpensive cost. The use of PVCu in the construction of conservatories have made these home additions more affordable and more available to families across the U.K. and the world over.

Additionally, PVCu has proven to be a very good insulator. Through the use of PVCu, a home owner is able to lower the energy costs associated with a conservatory.

There are many styles of picnic tables on the market, but what kind of material is best for durability and safety? Powder coating has been an accepted coated finish for years and there are several reasons why. The coating look great, you can have most any color you want, they are friendly to the environment and efficient to produce. The powder is applied in liquid form so it goes on similar to painting. If you need to have flexibility and strength against impacts, this type of finish would no be the best. Some type of PVC coating is the finish of choice when flexibility is key.

A picnic table is a good example of needing strength and durability. These are left out in the elements probably all year. The corrosion from acid rain is only one issue faced by furniture left outdoors. Powder coating is safer for kids and adults because there is no chance of getting slivers you know where when sliding across the picnic bench. Parks and Recreation departments can''t take in the picnic tables every year so they are left outside. A consumer just leaves their picnic table outdoors because they are so heavy to haul into storage. Some set them up on their sides so the snow won''t accumulate on top, but they are still left exposed to the elements.

PVC coatings aren''t as environmentally friendly and the odor upon application is really strong. Some PVC coatings aren''t allowed into European countries which is also a problem when you are trying to sell your picnic tables or patio furniture in other countries. Thermoplastic coating is a good alternative to the PVC. It meets all the requirements demanded for the elements, and it is cleaner and healthier for the environment. These new coatings can also be shipped anywhere so your market isn''t limited. These new finishes also can be applied at a lower cost. That is music to the ear of any manufacturer. The product seems to last longer and the customers love it.

This coating can be applied in one layer instead of the traditional 3 layers so scratches just blend in and the application is half as thick as the old coating. The material itself is more expensive, but less is more in this case. The thermoplastic also weights less also decreasing the cost. This type of coating application is easy to maintain when it comes to quality control. That is a crucial element in manufacturing.

Chenille has been used for bedspreads since Catherine Evans revived the craft in the 1890''s. She applied raised tufts of yarn to cotton sheeting and these spreads were often referred to as chenille products. Chenille is the French word for caterpillar - the yarn looks like those fuzzy little creatures. Thick pile of yarn ends stuck out all around at right angles. Stamps were created into a pattern and the yarn was stuck on to fill in the pattern. Bedspreads from this craft were all the rage in the 20''s. The demand was so high that new warehousing systems were developed to put out these products. This truly developed from a cottage industry in that haulers would deliver stamped sheets to the women of north Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas. They would then pick up the spread, pay the women and take the spreads back to the warehouse. A final finishing of washing in hot water locked in the yarns. They were also dyed in all kinds of colors.

By the 30''s, chenille bedspreads would be seen in most homes all along the east coast and beyond. Since they were so popular, manufacturers started mass producing the spreads in factories. Sewing machines were invented to do the process that was once done only by hand. The remarkable success of the chenille products lead to robes, toilet seat covers, rugs and more. Of course, bigger is better so a special machine was designed to create a piece of fabric that was at least nine by twelve for a whole room. By the 50''s chenille was in every home all over the country. My mom had several spreads in different colors and yours probably did too. I still search out vintage bedspreads at flea markets, and if you find them in good shape they fetch a good price as well. My mother in law had a pink chenille spread she started using for a drop cloth. YIKES. I snatched it up quickly, but now it is cut into pieces ready to become the next bear or sheep.

Many crafters take pieces of this caterpillar material and create toys and stuffed animals. It has become quite chic to have chenille in your child''s room. New material is everywhere, or you can still find some vintage pieces. Furniture is also popular in a girl''s room that has been covered with pastel chenille. You can combine new chenille with vintage and that''s perfectly acceptable. The soft texture adds to the warmth and charm you look for in a nursery or little girl''s room. If you know how to knit, the colors of chenille yarn on the market is huge. You can find kitschy robes with every imaginable motif.

Duvet covers are rather versatile when you think about it. If you want something that is really different for your bedroom, you may find expense is an issue in fancy, unique, well made fabric. Designer labels are pricey, especially if you aren''t shopping during a white sale. The versatility of the duvet makes them worth it, and a necessity for a comforter, but you don''t want to spend the money. Even an inexpensive comforter can be transformed into a stylish work of art with a unique duvet cover. They are great for your kid''s rooms because they can easily be changed when the child grows.

A teddy bear duvet might be good one day but you blink and he''s ready for a NASCAR print. You will save even more money if you make the duvet yourself. Even a novice can pull this off. Just think of a duvet as a giant pillow case with some sort of closure at the end. That doesn''t seem too hard does it? A pillow case keeps the pillow clean as you sleep on it, and the duvet does the same thing. All types of bedding should be soft and supple since it is next to your skin.

You are going to be making this yourself, so don''t scrimp on fabric. Find good quality fabric in a soft cotton or blend. I love flannel on the bottom and it is available in lovely colors and prints. It will be repeatedly washed so look for one that is yarn dyed. You can even find two sheets on a clearance table that are a steal. This would be the easiest because no cutting is involved. Wash and dry either fabric or sheets before you begin as this will curtail shrinking disappointments down the road.

If you haven''t already purchased a comforter, think about how it will look on the bed. Do you want more of an overhang on the sides or is your partner prone to stealing the covers? If so, you might want to buy a size that is a little larger than your size of bed. The completed presentation might look more finished if you do so.

? Measure your comforter and add one and a half inches to the width and three and three fourths inches to the length allowing for seams and hems. If you have sheets, just look at the dimensions on the package.

I love bedspreads, don''t you? A comforter can be used for the winter months but the bedspread is brought out of the linen closet in the spring when it''s warming up and the whole world is freshening and renewing itself outside. A bedspread is available in most any color, pattern or fabric and it can be one of the most expensive items you put in your bedroom. Did you know that these expensive pieces of fabric do not fall under the Care Label Rule? The Care Label Rule of 1971 requires clothing manufacturers and importers to attach care labels to their products. They must give full instructions on how to satisfactorily care for the products one time, or clearly state that it cannot be cleaned. The label also needs to warn against things that could be harmful such as using an iron or using hot water. I love the care labels because it gives me a clear indication of how to clean things. I have been surprised on more than one occasion when the label said dry clean only and I would have thrown it in the washing machine. You may find care instructions on a temporary label, a piece of paper in the plastic, hang tag, or somewhere on the package so check clearly before you throw anything away.

Okay, the care label is gone so what do you do to clean your bedspread? Things you can do to ensure a beautiful bedspread for many years of wear and care are, make sure the spread has been preshrunk. Fabric can shrink two or three percent very easily if it has not been properly stabilized by the manufacturer. Your bedspread will look like it''s sized for a twin bed very quickly if it shrinks that much. Check the quality of stitches if you have a quilted bedspread. The first preference would be for stitching to run vertically and horizontally with the stitches running only eight to ten inches apart. Make sure that the stitches are the correct length as well. Loose stitching can tear easily and allow fiber fill to shift when it is washed or dry cleaned. What is the fiber content of the batting? If you see wool on a label anywhere for the batting, take note that it will probably shrink in the washing machine.

Installing vinyl siding can be a very rewarding process that could dramatically change the appearance of your home. For the most part, if you plan your job well and adhere to some simple guide lines, anyone could learn how to install siding to there home.

The first thing to consider when installing vinyl siding is what tools will be needed for the job. Basically with some common carpenter tools, like a, hammer, level, chalk line, screw driver set, tin snips and a good circular saw you can pretty much achieve what it is you need to do. But if you plan on making a profession out of it, expect to pay in the thousands for a properly equipped truck.

After you have gathered your tools, you will need to collect your materials to prepare the job. Below you will find a list of some fundamental items needed to start your siding project.

Sheathing/Backerboard

Vinyl siding should be applied over a sheathing that provides a smooth, flat surface. Since every district has different code requirements you may want to consult local building codes for sheathing requirements. Vinyl siding should never be applied directly to framing studs without sheathing. As an alternative to backer board, there is a variety of specific types of contoured foam under lays available for various styles of vinyl siding.

Weather Resistant Barrier

Vinyl siding should be installed over a continuous weather resistant barrier to stop the intrusion of incidental water. Weather resistant barrier systems commonly consist of a combination of exterior cladding, flashed wall openings and penetrations, weather resistant barrier material, and sheathing. Commonly used is black carpentry felt. When using felt be sure to check thickness requirements.

Flashing

Code-compliant flashing should be integrated with the weather resistant barrier and applied around windows, doors, and other openings. Flashing should also be applied to inside and outside corners, and the intersection of walls and roofing to prevent water seepage through the joints.

Pre-drawn house plans are those that are drawn by architects or home designers and then offered for sale, unlike those that are drawn for an individual, with input from the customer. While this method may be a great idea, there are definite benefits to purchasing pre-drawn house plans. Architects and home designers that do custom home designing also do a lot of their own designs, and it is these plans that are offered for sale They are adept at making plans that utilize available space to the best possible advantage, and at laying out a floor plan to optimize curb appeal.

Custom designing of your home can take months to be completed and is extremely expensive, often up to ten times the cost of predawn or stock house plans. Using custom drawn plans can delay the construction of your home by many weeks There are dozens of home styles and literally thousands of plans to choose from, so you can be sure to find the home of your dreams.

If you find a house plan that you love, but want to make minor changes, most companies can have their designers do that for you, at an additional fee. It is also possible to have your plans reversed, for instance, if your breakfast nook faces west but the view from the north side of your lot is more attractive, you can reverse it. Many of the sites selling house plans will allow you to see a reversed view, of houses you might want to build.

Another service provided by the companies that design and sell house plans, is one that allows you to estimate the cost for building a particular house in your area of the country. The South is the least expensive area to build in and the West has the highest cost .The national average is somewhere in between.

There are dozens of house plan styles for you to browse and hundreds in each category, from A-Frame to Victorian, , from small to large, you can find the right home for your family. There are magazines, books and web sites galore that you can search

Beach houses, are small one story homes, raised above the ground, and usually have an open floor plan, with a lot of windows, to get a good view of the yard.. A low end Beach house with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen and Great room would cost, about $74,000.00 to build, according to the national average, and about $15,000.00 more in the west and $8000.00 less in the south. These little houses make great vacation retreats and are also suitable as a starter home or retirement home for empty nesters.

After spending hundreds of dollars on your favorite Picasso print, the idea of buying it online, anticipating its delivery, tossing it on the floor and going for a stroll seems unimaginable. But there is a form of art that you can walk all over: the area rug.

Sure, the comparison may seem a bit far-fetched, but area rugs are the art underfoot. Whether it''s oriental or Persian, braided or contemporary, the area rug is a reflection of our style and character, much like a picture or painting. And with the advancement in online shopping technology, buying your area rug has never been easier.

Interior designer John Kurtz of Wilmington, Del., says the most important thing when buying a rug is that it has a "beating heart and is going to please you every time you look at it."

The area rug gives a room structure, flavor and design, allowing room colors to be accentuated and drawn out simply by adding this one piece of decor. Unlike wall-to-wall carpet, area rugs bring a pattern into a room without being permanent fixtures. The versatility of an area rug means it can be moved from great room, to dining room, to bedroom and finally find a home in the garage.

Like with any piece of art, you can''t just visualize an area rug. You have to see it first. Like standing in front of the wall at an art gallery, your eyes wander from place to place before an image catches your eye. At a store where you can flip through the hanging rugs like posters, the important option of feeling the rug is available, but selection is sometimes limited. This is another area where the shopping technology of the Internet can pay off.

Cutting a Rug While Surfing the Net

Shopping for merchandise online continues to increase every year, with a jump of 19% expected for the 2004 holiday season, according to the ClickZ Network, which monitors online sales. In hard numbers, $21.6 billion is projected to be spent online in November and December. Area rugs have joined the ranks of products available at the click of a mouse.

Before choosing an area rug online, it''s important to exercise all of the same techniques and precautions that would be used if you were buying from a store. Because you likely won''t be dealing with a salesperson online, you have to ask and answer the questions yourself with research. What is my budget? What room do I want to put my new rug in? What is the right size? What style best reflects my taste?

Maybe getting the silent treatment at home isn''t a bad thing after all.

With the constant barrage of leaf blowers, lawn mowers and loud appliances swirling around us, it''s no wonder "I need some peace and quiet!" has become such a popular plea. If your neighbor decides to fire up the chainsaw Sunday morning while you''re sipping coffee and enjoying the newspaper, chalk up another frazzled nerve. And scientists and health officials aren''t just dismissing noise at home as a nuisance; they''re taking the issue seriously.

The noise inside your home will never rival that of the outside world. However, it should be a sanctuary from the clatter and commotion of our environment. With simple solutions to reducing indoor noise, you can turn a hurly-burly home into a healthy, happy one.

Volumes of Information on Noise and Health

Sure, we have all heard there''s too much fat in our diet. Well, maybe there''s too much noise in our diets, too. Now, you can''t eat noise like pint of Haagen-Daz, but you sure can feel it, and the end result can be more stress and frustration.

A 2004 study that appeared in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, concluded that women were more vulnerable to snacking and overeating than men when exposed to loud noise. Researchers found that women exposed to loud noise were more likely than men to indulge in common junk foods like popcorn, potato chips and chocolate.

The study took three groups of men and women, asking them to complete common math problems while exposing them to alternating levels of noise. The third control group wasn''t exposed to any noise during their problem-solving tasks.

Between sessions, the study participants were left alone in a room with several types of bland, high-fat food. The study showed that women who gave up and were discouraged by the assigned tasks ate significantly more than the women who were not frustrated.

While men''s performance was also altered during the study, the research showed that the affects from noise lingered longer in women. The researchers concluded that the impact from a noisy environment and lack of control over that environment can manifest itself as stress in women and may lead them to overindulging in fatty foods.

Not surprisingly, the issue of noise not only leads to stress in adults, but can leave a significant imprint on a child''s ability to learn.

What can you do to "clear the air" indoors, at work and at home? You want to know you are breathing clean air in the places you spend the most time, promoting a clear head and a sense of well being. It''s no longer okay to allow clean air into your life just at the cabin or lake. If getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine is just a dream, you need to take steps now to clear the air. More people are becoming sick from their homes. We button them up so tight that they don''t breathe anymore.

All kinds of allergies are on the rise from being overexposed to chemicals, molds, and spores that are in our environment. It''s time to strike back and take control of what we breathe. Most of us take for granted that our workspace has clean air. Don''t tell that to the people that are exposed to formaldehyde, asbestos, Legionnaires disease, radon and more every day. HVAC systems have been changing greatly over the last few years because of the rise of complaints. Newer more powerful electrostatic air cleaners reduce over 90% of dust instead of the recent 40 ? 50%. Activated oxygen systems are very new on the market. Ionized, ozonated oxygen is probably one of the most important aspects of fresh air. When we take advantage of the air given to us and work with the nitrogen and oxygen levels, our air is enlivened and we feel more energetic and alive. Air conditioning units have added to the problem by just cooling the air and increasing the levels of bacteria and mold in the ductwork. Chemicals are then used to treat it causing even more problems. Activated oxygen systems are a much healthier means of cleaning the air.

Homeowners are choosing "green" methods of construction because they are realizing the choice of building materials is crucial to their long term health. The choice of carpet is also important in that low pile is best to cut down on dust mites and should be vacuumed with a HEPA filter. Glues, synthetic fibers, irritating odors, they are all around us. Many allergic reactions to these contaminates can range from skin disease, sleep difficulties, infection and chronic fatigue are just a few. Natural fibers don''t attract much dust and their ability to breathe is much healthier for our skin. Speaking of skin, it is the largest organ on the body, so how much fresh air we give it is critical. Other issues that may present problems are electric allergies from being indoors so much. Computers, appliances, television and transformers all give off magnetic frequencies that can affect our systems and our mood. You might want to think about how close you sit to the computer, television or if you have an electric blanket or clock radio near your bed.

Fans extending from the ceiling have been around for centuries and the modern ceiling fan as we know it today has been used since Victorian times. Savvy homeowners use the ceiling fan in every room imaginable. They like their looks as well as how comfortable they make them feel. Why keep all of this style cooped up inside? Take the ceiling fan outdoors to the patio for a focal point of a great outdoor room. Look at your patio furniture and the style of home before you purchase an outdoor ceiling fan. If you own a log home, you wouldn''t want a futuristic black enamel ceiling fan or the contemporary pastel home in South Beach may not look good with dark oak fan blades. A Victorian mansion speaks of a matching outdoor ceiling fan that fits the period of the house. You get the idea, common sense and your decorating style will dictate which fan you go with. Lighting kits are available for these fans but I prefer your outdoor lighting to come from other sources. My husband and I think it feels much cozier when a glaring ceiling light isn''t shining on us. There are great looking area lamps and sconces that will compliment your ceiling fan. Let a fan be a fan when it comes to the patio.

Since your fan will be outdoors it is going to be exposed to the elements for most of the year. When they are on the patio there is little heating or air conditioning and the fan can be exposed to large amounts of humidity and temperature change. The big difference between indoor and outdoor fans is that you need materials that are not affected by the elements. Choose resin and plastic for the outdoors. These materials stand up better to humidity and moisture. If the fan is wood or metal, they will need to be specially treated to stand up to rain etc. Another major part of buying a ceiling fan for your patio comes from reading the label. DO NOT buy a ceiling fan for the outdoors if it isn''t given a "wet rating" from the manufacturer. These fans have specially enclosed housings for the motor that will protect it as well from the elements. Trying to install an indoor ceiling fan outside is like leaving a lawnmower out in the rain. You would have lots of repairs, the fan just won''t work right and it probably wouldn''t be safe. Some very basic things you also need to consider before you buy are ceiling height and size of area. If the area of the patio is 100 square feet, a 36" fan would be ok. Choose a 42" fan if the patio is up to 144 square feet and 44" to 48" if the space is up to 225 square feet. Fans come as large as 60" to accommodate larger spaces. Generally your patio ceiling will be quite high, but if you are considering the fan for a porch setting, your ceiling clearance may demand a hugger style fan. These fans have no rods to drop down the fan blades creating a safe clearance. Nothing is scarier than walking into an area with a very low ceiling fan. Check to see the fan you have chosen comes with a remote control. Who can live these days without having control from the lounge chair? Just because your ceiling fan is outside doesn''t mean you give up convenience. Ceiling fans aren''t that tough to install and usually come with directions. If you don''t feel like you want to tackle electrical issues or if you don''t have enough support to hold up the fan, bring in the professionals. It needs to be installed correctly so it won''t wobble, be noisy, or worse yet ? unsafe.

Complete your outdoor room with great looking patio furniture and all of the garden décor that brings the setting to life. If you have a pool or hot tub you have now created a fantastic place to entertain guests and have fun with the family. Invest in the outside of your home as well as the inside. Your wallet will benefit and you will feel more comfortable at the same time.

Mae Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, portable air conditioners, air filters and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.portable-air-conditioner-4u.com/ceiling_fans.htm. She gives information and tips at http://www.portable-air-conditioner-4u.com/index.htm to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.', 160, 'Outdoor Ceiling Fans Complement the House, Home-Improvement, Home-Improvement articles, Home-Improvement information, about Home-Improvement, what is Home-Improvement, Home Improvement Information', 'Outdoor Ceiling Fans Complement the House plus articles and information on Home-Improvement

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What exactly is mold? There are over 100,000 different kinds of mold in the world so it is literally everywhere. Molds are organisms and are members of the fungus family. Mushrooms, mildew and yeast are also part of this lucky family. They have been given the job in nature of decomposing dead plant material such as leaves, bark, wood etc. If we didn''t have mold we would be finding ourselves totally covered by a pile of leaves. We also wouldn''t enjoy eating cheese or using penicillin because they wouldn''t exist if it wasn''t for mold. However, as with some family members, we love them when they aren''t visiting our house. We enjoy talking on the phone or sending e-mails, but they need to stay at their place. When mold starts digesting organic material in the home, that''s where the problems occur.

Mold spores settle in a house, but they need moisture and humidity to grow and digest what they have settled on. There are literally spores everywhere from attic to basement and on everything in between. If mold spores are released into the air you can be exposed simply by breathing. You can also make direct contact with them by picking up moldy material outside when raking the leaves, or by eating moldy food. When excess moisture comes in through a leaky roof, or it''s too humid in the basement, or when kids take off their sweat socks and stuff them in the drawer, you have ideal conditions for growing mold. Since it is impossible to rid the home of the spores, the only thing you can do to control the growth of mold is to control the moisture. If you see little thread like clusters of black stuff in a bathroom or basement wall, you are looking at mold. You may also be able to smell a musty closet and this also tell you there is a problem. Don''t rely on just sight and smell. Molds have a tendency to hide behind walls and up in ceiling tiles as well. The most common places you will find mold is where you have the most usage of water. This would be the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and basement. If you have plumbing leaks or a flooding problem, mold can''t wait to move in. If you want to control the problem at the source, go to where the water is.

You''ll be amazed at how much free money you can make when you work from home answering surveys, accepting offers, and reading e-mails. Simple tasks like these can help you earn cash without leaving the house.

Get Paid to Work From Home... It''s Easy!

We could all use some extra money now and again. Now, there are Internet rewards programs that make it possible to work at home and earn cash.

There''s so much you could do with some extra cash every month. But getting an extra job will take too much time away from your family, your hobbies, your LIFE.

When you work from home, you do as much work as you want to. The amount of free money you earn is based on how much time you''re willing to put in. There are no schedules, no clock-in times, no quotas... just free cash on your timetable.

You''ll be able to spend more time with your family and doing the things you want to do... all while you make free money.

It''s Never Been Easier to Work From Home

The Internet has plenty of ways for you to work at home. Performing simple tasks like taking surveys, reading e-mails, shopping, and playing games can supplement your income and give you access to the extra money you''ve been hoping for.

Some of these opportunities require small fees... but for the most part, your biggest investment will be the time you''re willing to put in.

Life''s too short to spend doing a job you hate. Especially when it''s so easy to work from home and earn the free cash you need. Don''t waste anymore time...

Homeowners are getting high-tech when it comes to controlling the appliances in their homes, but they insist the control systems are reliable, convenient and easily understood. Technology isn''t fun to use if you feel like you need a master''s degree in engineering to make things work. This is true when it comes to controlling the thermostat on your spa, hot tub or swimming pool. Picture yourself arriving home from a long day at work or getting off the airplane from a grueling business trip. You open the door to the patio and the Jacuzzi is steaming with soft music playing so everything is ready for a relaxing soak; all you have to do is stir the martini. This isn''t possible if you only have a touch screen control in the living room. You must wait until you actually arrive home for this pampering luxury.

It is quite common for spas to be controlled with a hand held remote. You can sit in the hot tub and if it is starting to get dark outside, you can turn on the lights in the house directly from the tub. Many remotes control appliances from 150 feet away with no wires in sight. There is no extra wiring required because all of the signals are sent through existing AC power lines. Now technology is available for you to use a cell phone from anywhere in the world and turn on the hot tub, pool, indoor and outdoor lighting, sprinkler systems, fountains, or any other system that is computer controlled in your home. The systems have an all off button so you will have the confidence that you aren''t leaving home for a business trip with some appliance still running. Many devices can also read your e-mail to you when you are on the road so you never feel out of touch. All of these things can be voice activated and programmed for you. If you own a full size swimming pool, you definitely want to look into controlling the pool cleaner, filters, pool heaters and anything else with an automated computer system. This makes maintenance so much easier when the computer does the work for you.

Many items a person can add to the kitchen are stylish and functional. Bakers racks fit this description nicely. This kitchen furniture has been seen in homes for decades and their popularity is increasing all the time. Bakers racks can be used for extra storage space and to brighten up a lonely corner. Uses for them seem endless.

Some are hand-painted with beautiful designs, including flowers. The detailed work on some bakers racks is one of many appealing features they have. Lovely curved frames and many have pine shelves with a charming finish to them. A bakers rack is one accessory in your kitchen that will be used quite frequently.

The space that bakers racks add to a kitchen is really amazing. One can store pots and pans, along with other kitchen utensils. Serveware, cookbooks and houseplants have been seen on many of them to. Need to store bottles of your favorite wine? No problem, many are made with wine holders in a convenient place.

Other features include:

--->roomy drawers for holding kitchen gadgets, etc.
--->extra space behind double doors
--->adjustable metal shelves
--->top cantilevered shelf
--->utility bar and hooks

Bakers racks also can be used for extra counter and food preparation space. For kitchen use or with many stylish features can be used in the dining area to. Many small homes and apartments can benefit with a bakers rack. Where space may be limited they are a welcome addition. Have kids in college living in the dorm? May be just what they need for more compact storage space.

If you are an aging baby boomer like I am, you may be looking for a fun form of water recreation where you can get some relief from aching muscles and joints, be able to exercise or just relax, have a place for the grand kids to play and better yet, all of this occurs in one place from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

Many of the potential swimming pool buyers are looking into swim spas as an alternative to installing a fiberglass swimming pool or above ground pool. Many homeowners don''t have the space in the backyard or the budget to maintain a full size pool.

Now you can get the benefits of water therapy for the mature family members as well fun for the family in one small package.

Swim spas have been around for a long time but they weren''t very popular until recently. Now retailers are claiming a distinct increase in sales and the benefits of owning a swim spa are highly touted by the public.

Recreational swimmers like them especially if they don''t care about using a full size pool. They will easily fit on a deck or small backyard, but can also be installed indoors. If you really are limited in space in the backyard consider a home remodel and include the swim spa in those plans. Basements and garages are a popular place to install the spa but look for models that come in pieces so they will easily fit through a 30 inch doorway.

You might be building a dream home so why not create a complete swim spa room by including an infrared sauna, wet bar, fireplace, dining table, television and more? This could be your new workout room or part of the family room for entertaining. Many like to put them in a glassed wing of the home so they can look up at the stars while relaxing or working out. If you live on a lake in the North woods enjoying the water in the summer, install the swim spa indoors so you can have aquatic benefits in the winter months. Those long cold Wisconsin winters will be tolerable when you are working out or relaxing in the nice warm water from your very own swim spa.

"Company''s coming and my place doesn''t look right?"

You know how it goes, you have visitors coming tonight. You''ve cleaned every room in the house (well, maybe not the bedroom). You''ve planned the menu, and?it''s just not quite right. Perhaps you''ve been hankering for a change or maybe it strikes you out of the air, the room needs Something, but what?

Here''s five fast tips for when that re-decorating demon strikes and you haven''t the budget or time to do much.

You can likely do all of these ideas for significantly less than $50, but because they are simple, I''ll explain along the way what makes the difference.

1)Fresh Flowers

You don''t need a $50 bouquet to make a room, but a stale look will get an instant boost with a bit of living, breathing, greenery. Consider a $20 tropical, large enough to fill in an empty corner, and spend another $20 on a colorful bunch of fresh cut flowers (if you shop well, you can even get the vase). This will give your room instant punch!

2)Bowl of Fruit & Table Cloth

If you''re at the market anyway, don''t overlook the zest and color that a large bowl of fresh fruit lends to the kitchen, dining room, or even the coffee table. Great look that works well in all decors; fill a pottery dish with a variety, or a tall glass vase with a single fruit (ie: lemons or limes) or even line up a row of green apples along the coffee or dining table for a contemporary feel. And since fruit is inexpensive, give yourself a shot of change by selecting a new table linen in the trendiest color of the season to give your room a real lift or invest in a crisp white or cream cloth for a classic look.

3)Baskets

You don''t have to be a country girl (or guy) to appreciate the cozy look of baskets. Even the most modern room can benefit from a bit of wood or rattan. But the main purpose here is to hide clutter. You''ll feel so refreshed if you add a few baskets to fill with magazines, toys or hobby material. It''s the easiest way to contain the everyday clutter that you can''t stow away. And clearing space is always a good look!

It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year - you make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday decorations and what do you find? Spots and blotches covering the bottom of the roof sheathing.

Worse yet - it turns out to be attic mold!

What does energy conservation have to do with mold in the attic? Well if you take a step back and consider how the house behaves as system, they are often directly related.

Building science experts have long been using the "house as a system" approach to diagnose the cause and origin of building defects.

For example, ice dams. These are often caused by warm air seeping into the attic which causes the snow and ice on the roof to melt. The water drains to the edge of the roof (which is colder than the rest of the roof because it is an overhang and not warmed by the attic), freezes and creates an ice dam. As this process is repeated daily, the ice dam grows larger. Eventually water is forced under a shingle where it can seep into the house.

Understanding how the house behaves as a system and the various causes and effects is necessary to diagnose most building related problems.

But how about that attic mold? How did it get there?

Mold requires chronic moisture to form and to thrive, so source(s) of moisture must be present. Possibly the moisture came from outdoors. The roof is newer and a quick check of the roof shows no obvious damage or leaks.

Possibly the moisture came from indoors. During the heating season, the interior of the house frequently has high moisture levels, especially bathrooms and kitchens. A quick check shows that all bathroom fans, kitchen vents, etc. are properly ducted completely outdoors and not into the attic. The amount of insulation looks good and the attic is well ventilated.

Don''t give up - you are almost there! Remember the house as a system? You know that warm, moist air is in the house, but how is it getting into the attic?

By air leaks! Air leaks are the leading source of energy loss in most houses, and a frequent source of chronic moisture that can cause attic mold.

Most homeowners are well aware of air leaks around windows and doors (especially old ones), but many overlook the numerous gaps leading directly into the attic!

In addition to causing destruction, water damage also has an adverse affect to the indoor air quality of your home. Damage from water can cause wood rot, insect infestation and mold .

The obvious causes of water damage are leaking roofs, windows, doors, foundation cracks and visible plumbing leaks. These are fairly easy to detect, enabling a quick repair before maximum damage occurs.

The not-so-obvious culprits are moisture behind finished basement walls that are insulated with fiberglass; poor grading around foundation walls and air leaks that occur between the living space and attic.

Insulating finished basement walls with fiberglass is not a good idea.

Fiberglass will absorb water and not allow it to travel through the wall, preventing a drying effect.

Some people think installing a plastic barrier in the wall is the answer, but this approach only traps moisture. A better way is to use rigid insulation (also known as blue board).

This insulation is semi-permeable and allows moisture to travel through the wall, allowing it to dry. Water can also enter the basement if the grade of the land is pitched toward the house.

Grading the soil away from the house and adding rain gutters will guide rainwater away from the house.

Openings from the house to the attic and poor ceiling insulation in houses located in colder climates can lead to ice dams that cause water to back up into the house.

Air leakage from the house to the attic will carry moisture in the form of humidity into the attic that can form water on the underside of the roof leading to rotting and mold.

Typical leakage points between the house and attic are:

• leaky attic hatches
• holes drilled for plumbing pipes and electrical wires that penetrate the attic and are usually not sealed
• Recessed light fixtures that are not the airtight type
• Exhaust fans that vent directly into the attic

For those who live in warmer climates, water damage can occur within your walls because of poorly designed air conditioning systems.

Systems that are oversized (a larger capacity than necessary)will not remove enough humidity which leads to high moisture levels that condense on cooler surfaces.

Duct systems that are imbalanced can draw outside humidity through walls that can produce water in the walls.

Mitigating these problems requires a professional.

The cost of furnishing a conservatory can catch many people out, in fact it can often cost more than the conservatory itself. Conservatory Blinds can be very expensive so it is important to know what the choices are and what value a particular blind will bring. This article looks at the most common types and discusses the individual merits of each one.

Pleated Blinds

Pleated blinds are argueably the most attractive conservatory blind. They are available in a huge range of frabics and colours and have a modern elaborate look. They are a value alternative to pinoleum blinds and can be made with reflective material, which will help to maintain a more pleasing temperature. Typically, the pleats come in 25mm width but are increasingly available in 20mm. Pleated blinds are very versatile and can be used in any style of conservatory. Made to measure pleated blinds are readily available.

Pinoleum Blinds

Pinoleum blinds are the most traditional type of conservatory blind. Pinoleum is the name given to strips of thin wood which are woven together in different patterns. Roman or Rolled-up Pinoleum blinds are available. One of the great advantages of pinoleum blinds is that they let in a diffused light between the strips of wood. This gives them a great look. However, the downside is that maintaining the temperature is harder as heat comes in as well as light. This is obviously a problem is controlling temperature is the major concern, in which case this type of blind is probably not the right choice. Having said that it is possible to fix a reflective material to the back of the blind, but then the pleasant light effect is lost which is one of the major attribute of pinoleum blinds.

Roller Blinds

Georgian Conservatories

Georgian architecture was the style of the 18th century, especially from the reign of King George I who ascended the throne in 1711, into the reign of King George IV. Design and architecture of the Georgian period naturally flowed from British styling for many decades in advance of the period. However, although Georgian design does maintain a continuation of established British technique, other stylings merged to form the Georgian school.

Georgian design has unique features that draw up both classic Greek and Roman architecture. (Many Greek and Roman ruins were discovered and unearthed during the Georgian period; architects and designers throughout the Empire adopted these ancient arrangements in building and related projects of the time.)

In residential settings, Georgian design was typified. The red brick house, with courses and cornices of white stone and trimmings of white painted woodwork, is perhaps the best-known example of Georgian design still prevalent in the 21st century. With the growing industrialization of many parts of the Empire, most particularly the United Kingdom itself, there was a tremendous demand for the construction of large, gracious residences for those who had found new wealth during this time period.

Simultaneously with the early Georgian period, the conservatory itself was first fashioned by the Dutch as a way of protecting plants from harsh winter conditions. In little time, the conservatory was introduced in the British Empire and became a standard fixture in the splendid Georgian manses constructed during the reigns of the four King Georges.

Georgian conservatories have gained in popularity in recent years. While there are some architectural devices that blend easily together, when considering the addition of a Georgian conservatory, this classic design truly works best when being added to a preexisting residence or edifice of the same school.

There is an element of grandeur to a Georgian conservatory. Thus, a person interested in appending a Georgian conservatory will want to understand and appreciate the strength of the design in comparison the existing structure. In the 21st century there remain many architects and designers who maintain a specialty in the Georgian model.

Victorian Conservatories

Want to improve the look of your property? Want to add value to your property?

Been dreaming of a brand new kitchen? Do not have readily available cash to pay for it?

Are you planning an extension to your home, a new kitchen, would you like to have double glazing, a new conservatory, patio, or a new heating system, or are you undertaking the general up keep of your home but finding it hard to pay for?

Why not consider a Home Improvement Loan. Make the dream become reality with a UK Home Improvement Loan.

A Home improvement Loan could be the easiest and cheapest way to make improvements to your home.

A UK Home Improvement Loan is a low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest loan secured on your UK property. As the home owner, it frees you up to do whatever improvements you want on your property.

With a UK Home Improvement Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 with low monthly repayments. The loan can be repaid over any term between 5 and 25 years, depending on your available income and the amount of equity in the property that is to provide the security for the loan. Home Improvement Loan rates are variable, depending on status. Your monthly repayments will depend on the amount borrowed and term.

A UK Home Improvement Loan can help you with:

Want to improve the look of your property? Want to add value to your property?

The extension plans are ready but the finances are not.

Rather than waiting another year why not consider a Home Improvement Loan.

Make the dream become reality with a UK Home Improvement Loan.

Are you planning an extension to your home, a new kitchen, would you like to have double glazing, a new conservatory, patio, or a new heating system, or are you undertaking the general up keep of your home but finding it hard to pay for?

A Home improvement Loan could be the easiest and cheapest way to make improvements to your home.

A UK Home Improvement Loan is a low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest loan secured on your UK property. As the home owner, it frees you up to do whatever improvements you want on your property.

With a UK Home Improvement Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 with low monthly repayments. The loan can be repaid over any term between 5 and 25 years, depending on your available income and the amount of equity in the property that is to provide the security for the loan. Home Improvement Loan rates are variable, depending on status. Your monthly repayments will depend on the amount borrowed and term.

In the world of today, we no longer employ the moat, drawbridge or 30 foot high walls as security devices. However, if we know the correct methods and devices to use, we can attain better security than those devices afforded.

Our first line of defense, is to be aware of our surroundings. Your neighborhood may be in an urban, or suburban area, it may be an apartment building or a gated and guarded community. Each of these environments has it''s own unique challenges, but all share one common factor, there are other people living close by. If you and your neighbors are familiar to each other, this in itself is a defense against intruders. Your degree of interaction can range from complete avoidance to active participation in programs such as National Night Out or Neighborhood Watch.

The more you and your neighbors interact, the safer and more secure your neighborhood will be.

Do It Yourself Home Security Survey

Lets start with the really simple things to check. Did you have your locks rekeyed when you moved in? Do you know how many keys fit your doors, and who has them? If you answered no to either of these questions, you should contact us, for a discussion on key control and/or key control systems.

Next is your front yard, building entryway, or hallway to the apartment. If you have a front yard as you walk up to the front door, look around the area, is there excessive shrubbery that either hides the entry or provides a hiding area for someone? Does your porch light work? Does it project enough light for you to clearly see someone on your porch at night? Are your able to adequately observe the porch area from inside your home, with the door closed, using a door viewer? If you do not have a clear view of these areas, contact us to discuss the available options. A new modern door viewer may be adequate, or possibly a video door bell system or even CCTV may be needed.

Once a month there''s an electric bill coming in the mail with your name on it. For the next week, it''s telling the kids to shut the lights off when you''re done, And most of the time, you turn them off yourself. Right? Meanwhile downstairs there''s the TV, stereo, lights, computer, and a play station going. You have to give them credit for their talent to do all this at one time. We are all guilty of it.

There''s no need to change your methods or lifestyle. You can live like you normally do without changing anything. No need to change to smaller watt light bulbs, or change the thermostat to reduce the furnace setting till you freeze.

I''m sure you have all heard, or have known someone with unexplained health problems. We are not here to scare you, but rather let you be aware and more knowledgeable about the environmental surroundings we are exposed to daily. It Concerns the Electromagnetic Fields, Electrical Leakage, and even Electro Radiations of daily living.

From Computers, copiers, TV''s, radio, cell phones, microwaves, appliances, equipment, tools, etc. Known health problems from Cancer, leukemia, headaches, tumors, cataracts, stress, nerve disorders, memory loss, weight loss, along with sleeping disorders, miscarriages, birth defects, breast cancer, and more. Our Electrical System can also reduce the electromagnetic currents, electrical leakage, in which assures you a safer living or working environment. (Be sure to review our site for more information.)

The Cutt-A-Watt Electrical Saving System Saves you up to 40% on your electric bills every month. To include important health risk you may be exposed to on a daily basis. A Lifetime of Savings and Health for your Home, Office, Apartment, Farm, Shop, Small Business, and much more ... However it doesn''t stop there. Be sure to take a look at all the other excellent features and benefits.

Features / Benefits

•Save up to 40% on your Electric Bills every Month

•Increase Property Value

Putting the right comforter on your bed can make the whole bedroom look fabulous. Comforters are the most visible of all the bedding pieces, so when you change the comforter you make a large change in the decor of the bedroom itself. But comforters are also very functional as they make for a very warm, and soft bed to sleep in too. But getting the right comforter for your bed takes some thought and preparation, and this article will help you make the right decision when you buy.

The first factor in choosing the right comforter is to make sure that it actually fits your bed. This may sound like a simple thing, but not all mattresses are the same size because of their design. If you have a very standard mattress it will most likely fit into one of the conventional categories like "Full", Queen", or "King".

But many mattresses these days are not standard sizes because mattress makers have gone to adding more features like pillow tops on one side or sometimes both sides of the mattress. This means that the mattress is now much thicker than it would normally be. And that will also affect the size of any bedding that you are now able to put on that bed. That''s why it''s always a good idea to measure your bed and mattress to make sure that you know what size comforter to get beforehand and won''t have to be faced with the prospect of having to return the bedding that you love when you find that it just doesn''t look right on your bed.

When considering a comforter look at the TPI or threads per inch too. This figure will often give you a good idea of the quality level that has been put into that comforter. Generally speaking thread counts above 250 produce a soft and comfortable feel and fabric that will last a long time. Try to avoid thread counts below 200.

It''s also not a bad idea to look for a comforter that has patterns on both sides. That way you can change the look of the bed from time to time and not just have the same pattern all the time.

You spend a lot of your life in your bed sleeping and rejuvenating for the next day''s activity. Sleeping is a process that takes up roughly about about a third of the average person''s life. So it makes sense that you would want to make your bed comfortable and a pleasure to be in. It also is a nice bonus if the bedding you choose enhances the overall decor of your home and is pleasing to the eye.

Bed sheets are an important part of the overall bedding items used on a bed, and here are a few guidelines for choosing high quality bed sheets that you will be happy with:

Size is a very important factor in choosing bed sheets. It used to be that most mattresses were pretty standard sizes and so you could buy sheets in genralized categories like "Full", "Queen", and "King", and be reasonably sure that they would fit right out of the box. But lately, mattress manufacturers have gone to adding more features to their mattresses to make them appeal to a wider range of customers, like adding pillow tops on one side or even both sides of the mattress. This added material makes the mattress much wider and therefore any bed sheets that are used on that bed will need to be bigger as well in order to fit properly. That''s why it''s a good idea to actually measure your bed in advance and make sure that the sheets will fit your particular mattress before buying them. You may have to buy one category larger or more to fit your bed.

Thread count is another important consideration when buying bed sheets. Thread count per inch, or TPI, states how many threads are in a square inch of the bed sheet material. Generally speaking, anything over 250 makes for a soft, comfortable feel, and also tends to last longer and hold up under more use. Try to avoid bed sheets that have very low thread counts under 200.

The kind of material used for bed sheets can vary considerably, from cotton to exotic silks. Cotton seems to be the most popular, but you may also want to experiment with flannels, and cotton mixed fabrics. Satins and silks are considered very high end and tend to be expensive, but some people really enjoy them as bed sheets, and wouldn''t use anything else.

Do pests ''gopher'' your lawn? Chances are, if you have a lawn, you risk the chance of having pests, such as the gopher and his cousin the mole. And, perhaps even those pesky six-legged creatures- ants and other insects- call your grass patches home. Why are these animals and insects attracted to your lawn? And, what can you do to stop them from burrowing and nesting? Those answers and more will follow in this article.

Most household lawns are not large enough to attract so many pests that a serious problem will result, but nonetheless, they can be a nuisance and cause some minor damage to your grassy nook. Insects are not very easy to spot, as some are so small they are naked to the eye, however, they can be identified by dead, brown patches of grass. Telltale signs of moles and gophers are a little more obvious- dirt hills on the top of your lawn, and beneath them, tunnels and holes. Once you identify that you have pests, you then need to decide the best way for you to take care of the problem.

The first option is to call an expert. Use your local directory or a referral from someone you know that had a similar problem. But if you are like most people today, you may want to do it yourself. And, if you are a DIYer, the first thing you need to do is size up your situation, and what you are up against. Let''s look at insects first.

When dealing with insects, the first thing you must realize is that not all insects are bad guys. Sure, we probably would swat at them all, but in reality, some insects can actually act as exterminators against others. Other insects can actually help control your thatch level. There are two types of insects when it comes to the ones who invade your lawn: above and below ground insects. Above ground insects usually feed on your grass, and can be seen fairly easy. Some examples of these can be chinch bugs, green bugs and armyworms.

The below ground insects are just that, they feed on your lawn through the root system, which means they are the most destructive of the two. They are also the most difficult to identify since they are not easily seen. These can include grubs, beetle larvae and billbugs. There are literally thousands of species of insects, far too many to list here. You could borrow a book on insects from your local library, or check out some entomology websites to learn more about what roles and functions they have. After all, you don''t want to kill off any allies!

When I was a child, I loved to pick Dandelions. The pretty yellow flowers were small, colorful, and looked nice tucked behind my ear! However, if one had popped up in the front yard, my hair accessory would have been considered an atrocity!

I often feel sorry for weeds. They are plants too. In fact, if you flipped through a botany field guide, you may be surprised at the plants you find classified as weeds! But simply put, a weed is really defined as a plant out of place. Clover in one persons flowing lawn may be considered fashionable, whereas on another, not. Golf greens are often covered with bentgrass, but if it crept up in some yards, it would be considered a weed.

While perhaps pretty on their own, weeds stick out like a sore thumb in yards because they may be of a different color, size or texture. This is distracting from the beauty of the otherwise sprawling green turf. Aside from aesthetic values, weeds can also drain nutrients from grass and other plants, and this competition of resources can thin what should be lush. And what''s worse is that weeds are fighters. They can withstand conditions that your wanted greens cannot, so they are almost inevitable!

Treating weeds begins with correct identification. There are two classifications of weeds: Grassy and Broadleaf. These are further broken down into groups like perennial, biennial, and winter and summer annuals. These, as you may gave guessed, depict their growing patterns. Grassy weeds are, as they sound, like grass. However, they are unwanted grass, or grass that is growing in a different type of lawn. Some examples are annual bluegrass, barnyard grass, crabgrass, creeping bentgrass and foxtail. Broadleaf weeds may appear more to be what most people picture weed-like growth to be. Since they are broad, they are more easily distinguished. Some examples are yarrow, knotweed, chickweed, clover, ground ivy, thistle and my favorite, the dandelion.

Newsletter Name Change?

After several of you made suggestions to me to shorten the name of the newsletter we have decided that it may be a good idea. But first I''d like some suggestions from you, our readers. You can send me your suggestions and next month I''ll let you know what happened and the new name for this newsletter.

New Orchids Added

Orchids-plus-more has added more orchids for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. Go to our website at orchid-store.orchids-plus-more.com

Pruning Your Orchid

The flowers have all died and when should you cut the stalk back and how far?

Pruning an orchid stalk (spike) should cause no harm to the plant. However, some orchids will produce new bloom shoots from the nodes on the old blossom stalk, or some plants will produce small baby plants (pups) from these nodes. The new plants may be removed and potted after they develop roots. Of course, some orchids do neither of these things. In either case, it doesn''t hurt the plant if you remove the old bloom stalk; you may just miss some new blossoms or a baby plant.

Once the stalk turns yellow or brown, it is obvious that no blossoms or plants will be produced. You can then cut it to within an inch from where the blossom stalk originated on the plant. You can also cut it there when it is green if you don''t mind losing potential blossoms. Another option is to just remove the end of the blossom stalk to shorten the stalk, but retain enough so that it may bloom again. If you do this, cut it back to about 1/4 inch above a node (indicated by a small leaf-like bract clasping the stalk).

Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will add a new dimension to your pool.

When building a waterfall, as with any garden project, you must first consider the design and make a plan. The biggest mistake that people make when planning a pond waterfall is to err on the large side. For a pond measuring 12 ft x 14 ft you should think in terms of a fall of 18-24 inches. The width of the waterfall should be in proportion to the size of your pond. The important point is to make sure that the scale of your construction fits in with the surrounding features and does not spoil the balance of your overall garden design.

The next question that has to be answered is the type of construction you wish to use. There are two basic choices. You can either use a liner and place rocks to form the fall or you can save yourself the trouble and buy a fibreglass unit. Either way you will still have to use your shovel to form the site of the waterfall.

The other requirement is a pump which will be sited in the pool to transport the water to the top of your waterfall. The size of pump that you will need depends on the height and width of the waterfall and also the length of pipe from the pump to the top of the fall. Once you have finalised your plans, consult your dealer and he will be able to supply you with the correct pump.

To maintain a healthy pond environment with crystal clear water usually involves installing a biological filter. Again your dealer will be able to advise you as to the correct type and size. The filter should be placed at the top of the waterfall so that the water is cleaned before issuing out on to the fall.

Once you have assembled all the equipment it is time to get out your shovel. If your site is level and the soil from excavation of your pond is nearby this can be used as the mound on which to place the waterfall. If you are using a liner you first dig out the channel and then fit the liner. Next place the rocks so that the water can flow over them. It is helpful if you observe a natural waterfall to give you some ideas as to how the rocks can be placed for the greatest effect. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, use black waterfall foam to seal the rocks to ensure that the water flows over and around them and not underneath. If you have chosen to use a fibreglass preformed model, you will avoid the problem of placing the rocks and will just have to dig out sufficient soil to allow you to fit the unit.

Native wildflowers are those that were growing naturally in the landscape before the first settlers arrived from Europe. Ever since that time more and more plants have been introduced from around the world with very mixed results. Although many of the imports are now prized garden specimens, others are regarded as invasive weeds whose cultivation is actively discouraged eg Japanese Knotweed. The benefits of growing wildflowers are many, but here are just a few:

Since wildflowers grow naturally in the landscape they will thrive in similar soil types and situations in your garden.

Because they are growing in their natural habitat, wildflowers will require less water and fertilizer than other plants.

Equally wildflowers have a natural resistance to pests and diseases and so will reduce the need for sprays and pesticides.

Many wildflowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and so will encourage these colorful insects to visit.

Songbirds are also attracted by the seeds and berries produced by the plants.

A wildflower planting can produce a dense groundcover that will encourage frogs and toads who will eat slugs but not harm your plants themselves.

On a more practical level, give up part of your lawn, sow wildflower seeds and save yourself the effort of mowing.

Read about the folklore of wildflowers and discover a whole new world of traditional uses of plants as food, as tisanes, potpourris and more.

Many wildflowers have in the past been used as medicines and a number of modern drugs are based on plant extracts.

Herbs can add a touch of magic to your garden with their supernatural associations and practical uses.

Records show that herbs were in use in ancient Greece where they were valued as flavorings and for their fragrance. Certain herbs were also credited with mystical properties. Herbs were introduced into Britain by the Romans who also valued the reputedly supernatural powers of the plants, as well as their culinary and medicinal uses. In Britain, too, herbs became a focus of superstition, reaching their peak of importance in the Middle Ages when every village had its witch, and every witch her herbs and potions. Herbs were also used to combat the witches'' powers; garlic, hyssop and wormwood all combated witchcraft and evil spirits.

The medicinal qualities of herbs were even more important. In 1597 John Gerard, the London herbalist and apothecary, published his "Herball", a volume containing 1000 pages with woodcut illustrations of some 3000 plants. A rather smaller collection of some 400 plants was included in Nicholas Culpeper''s Complete Herbal first published in c1640 and still available from bookshops today.

For most of us today the main use for herbs will be as flavorings in cooking. A few plants within easy reach of your backdoor so that they are handy for the cook will be well worth the effort. You can even grow a small selection in a container on a sunny windowsill.

Have you ever thought of your home as being healthy or unhealthy? While the concept of a healthy home may be new to some of us, it is steadily gaining popularity with homeowners. A healthy home can include a number of elements from building materials used to construct your home to using non-toxic cleaning products. Below is a list of five ways to assist you in creating a healthy home environment.

1. Clean Air and Circulation:

Here are some little known facts from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) about the air inside many of today''s homes:

? Indoor air pollutant levels may be two to five times higher than the pollutant levels outdoors.

? Indoor air pollutant is one of the top environmental concerns today.

? Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors.

? Indoor air pollutants such as tobacco smoke, pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander have the ability to create asthmatic and allergic reactions.

Listed below are a few ways to improve the quality of your indoor air:

? Consider an Indoor Air Purifier. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has put forth industry standards for indoor air purifiers. To view results of their standards and testing or to find a certified indoor air purifier, you can visit their website at cadr.org.

? For better air circulation, leave doors between rooms open most of the time and open windows when possible to allow for a good supply of fresh outdoor air. You can also install exhaust fans in bathrooms to help remove moisture and chemicals from your home.

? Upgrade the air filters on your furnace with the pleated filters that capture smaller particles. Change the filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer''s instructions.

? You can also use indoor houseplants to aid in purifying your home''s air. For example, Boston Ferns cleanse formaldehyde from the air. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas. When present in the air at levels above 0.1 ppm (parts in a million parts of air), it may cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat, nausea, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, skin rashes, and allergic reactions. Formaldehyde can be found in insulation, particleboard, paper products and many cleaning products.

Is your home décor lacking that extra something that spells the difference between comfortable and vibrant or between comfortable and tranquil? Candles might be just the polish your décor needs. Take advantage of the sparkling colors, rich textures, and fresh scents of candles without draining your decorating budget.

Some candles are best unadorned, but candleholders offer an additional opportunity to highlight their presence and beauty. You don''t have to burn the candles; you can use them as objects d''art, incorporating them into displays, floral arrangements and centerpieces-alone as an accent piece, or in a grouping as a focal point.

Typical candles no longer exist-they belong to a bygone era. Tapers gave way to thick and varied heights long ago. Today, you''ll find square candles, heart-shaped candles, fruit and vegetable candles, gingerbread candles, floral candles, Christmas tree and ornament candles, and candles with artistic free-flowing shapes. Within that variety of shapes, you''ll find an endless array of adornments, such as beads and glitter, straw, botanicals embedded in the wax, still life scenes, etc.

Color, Shape and Texture

Today''s candles come in a wide variety of hues and shades, and many add the dimension of shape and texture to their composition. Marbled, frosted, and sculptured candles are widely available in a selection of sizes, shapes and prices-ranging from votives to thick, oversized candles.

If your living areas are frozen in time with a monochromatic color scheme-you know the rooms we mean, they looked oh-so-good on paper until you lived in them for a month-use candles to rescue you from the monotony without the expense of redecorating. Marbled candles are a quick and easy way to work complementary or harmonizing color into the room.

If your home utilizes color well, but lacks excitement, accessorize with textured candles to add pizzazz to the room. Position the candles to create a focal point or to add just the right accent. Marbled candles incorporate several hues and shades of the same color, and variegated candles can tie all of the colors in your décor together.

Transforming your home''s basement into a finished space can prove to be very rewarding. Frequently the additional living space is used for a variety of entertainment functions including: Recreation Rooms, Bars, Gyms, Billiard Rooms, Home Theatres and Family Rooms. In addition, Bedrooms and Bathrooms are also incorporated into the floor space. Typically the square foot cost of finishing a basement is significantly lower than other floors within the home.

Planning is critical before starting a Finished Basement project. From a financial standpoint, first determine how big your budget is and how you will finance the project. Will a mortgage be required or can you refinance or obtain a home equity loan?

From the project standpoint, carefully consider what you want to use the space for. As part of this consideration, consider ceiling heights, existing pipes, Oil Tanks, and Heating and Water systems. Also consider lighting. To make a Finished Basement cozy, warm and comfortable, the number and kinds of lights to install is key. In addition, consider natural lighting. Can additional windows be installed and will they be appropriate for the finished space?

Installing a Bathroom in a basement can be a challenge, particularly if a pump-up system is required. It is important you meet with a plumber before you start any work, as they will have many questions and requirements for your bathroom. Potentially the most onerous aspect of installing a Bathroom may be the removal of some of the cement flooring. This is a very dusty and messy job!

Also consider heating. Does your existing furnace have the capacity to support the additional space? If not, you will need to consider putting in a bigger system or creating a secondary heating system.

What''s in a name? Whirlpool baths have been around forever, right? If it weren''t for the Jacuzzi brothers in 1956, we wouldn''t have the fantastic whirlpool baths of today. According to the Jacuzzi Company, the brothers invented the first pump that could be placed in a bathtub, circulating the water to aid arthritic aches and pains. In 1968, Roy Jacuzzi went on to invent the first self contained whirlpool bath by putting jets on the sides of the tub. From this idea a whole industry was born and hydrotherapy has never been as popular and important as it is today. Since the Jacuzzi''s thought of the idea for experiencing water in a new way, the tub has long since held their name. However, a whirlpool bath, and spa are also names for the same kind of tub. It is a little like Kleenex and facial tissue or Jell-O and gelatin.

What makes the Jacuzzi so popular? You know the answer to that question if you have ever experienced the warm water circulating around your tired, aching body. Athletes, aging baby boomers, and stressed out people of all ages are using whirlpools every day for pain relief, relaxation, and rejuvenation. One of the hottest industries is holistic health and hydrotherapy is included in the group of modalities that are available to you. Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of disease. The water doesn''t have to be warm to do this, but increasing the temperature seems to aid in the relief. There is something very primal about being in warm water. This type of treatment has been used for centuries dating back to the ancient Greeks. Your internal organs also benefit from the use of water. Digestion is stimulated as well as circulation and the immune system. Now you can use enzymes instead of chemicals to treat the water in your whirlpool so it is much safer for the skin. Spas and health clubs have used different forms of hydrotherapy for years and now you can have that luxury in your own home. Water is extremely therapeutic even when you just sit by the side of the ocean or lake and ponder the events of the day. So, you don''t have to be in the water, but if you have the opportunity to use a whirlpool or other water therapy you know just how good you feel when you get out. Everyone can benefit, but if you are pregnant, have heart disease or another chronic illness, check with your doctor before using any form of heat or water therapy.

You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters and not realize the significance of the damage that may be occurring behind them. Icicles are usually one of the first warning signs of possible ice dams on your roof. This article will explain what ice dams are, how they form and the best methods for removing them safely.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, usually at the gutters or soffit. When it forms the water then backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water. This pool of water can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas

What causes ice dams

Ice dams are usually caused by heavy snowfall and improper ventilation in the attic. This causes warmer areas in your attic then the snow begins to melt, even when the outside temperature is well below freezing. When the accumulated snow on your roof starts melting it runs down your roof underneath the snow until it reaches a "colder" section like the soffit''s, valleys or in gutters then it begins to freeze again, this process of thawing and refreezing is what causes an ice dam.

Cleaning the gutters on your home can help prevent ice dams from occurring as quickly but they can still occur if the conditions are right. The gutters will be just as cold as it is outside and in some cases, full of frozen debris. So even if you don''t have a soffit for the water to refreeze in, the melted water will most likely refreeze when flowing into the gutters.

How can I remove an existing ice dam?

Properly removing an ice dam can be quite dangerous if you don''t know how. In the past some members of the media suggested hiring a contractor to pull the gutters off your home so the whole ice dam process would be solved. This suggestion was well intended but wrong. Contractors that started removing gutters caused significant damage to roofing and guttering systems, then when the snow melted it dropped next to the homes foundation and caused the basements to flood.

Do cat repellents work? How to stop a cat from using garden as litterbox? Tell me how to keep cats out of my garden. These are common questions of concern to all gardeners but is there a real answer?

The first line of defence is to ensure that your yard boundaries are secure. Any gaps in your fence should be blocked to deny low level access. But cats can jump so fix a taut wire or string some six inches above the top of your fence to deter this approach.

Once inside your garden many people say that the best cat repellent is a dog who will soon see off any feline invader. If you are not a dog lover then you will have to resort to more passive methods. Since cats like to lie on freshly dug soil you should lay mulch on your borders so that no bare soil is left exposed. Seed beds should be covered with wire netting or twigs arranged as a barrier.

Young trees should have plastic guards fitted around their trunks to protect them against use as a scratching pole. Your garden pond should be covered with netting to keep your fish safe.

Cats are generally known to dislike water so a well aimed bucketful or a squirt with the hose will certainly make an intruder run. After one or two dousings it may learn the lesson and stay away.

To protect plants and borders both mothballs and citrus are said to be effective deterrents. Place the mothballs, orange peel or lemon rind in the borders. Alternatively spray cloths with orange scented air freshener and place the cloths around the plants you wish to protect. Other known cat repellents are cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil and mustard oil.

Certain herbs are said to deter cats. In particular rue but not catmint which has the opposite effect. Coleus canina is another plant which is marketed by one merchant as a cat repellent.

The broadcaster Jerry Baker has suggested treating your yard with a tonic made from chewing tobacco, urine, birth control pills, mouthwash, molasses, detergent and beer. A smallholder has reported success using dried rabbit blood but you may feel that the ingredients listed in the previous paragraph should be tried first.

If you visit your local garden center or hardware store you will find several cat repellent products on sale. These range from electric water sprinklers and ultrasonic devices to sprays and granules.

Container vegetable gardens are a great alternative for those that don''t have access to backyards. There can be a range of reasons to grow your vegetables in containers...easy access to the kitchen, safer environments for children and the handicapped or just lack of a yard to use for gardening.

Vegetable gardens in containers can also be extremely attractive and serve the dual purpose of style and function around your patio.

The no dig vegetable garden can be just as successful in containers provided similar guidelines are followed.

Drainage is vital so ensure your containers have appropriate drainage holes to allow water to escape. If they don''t, the plants will literally ''drown'' and will be susceptible to diseases. They also need a sunny space. The advantage with vegetables grown in containers is that you can move the containers around to follow the sun if no one spot in your patio or garden is suitable.

Vegetables grown in containers will need some additional attention. Their root system is restricted to the pot so make sure you keep them well watered. Containers are far more likely to dry out in hot conditions which will kill your plants or have them ''fruit'' poorly.

It is also very important that a mulch is put on top of the container. This will slow evaporation and keep the surface temperature of the soil cooler. Plants like tomatoes have small, fiberous roots which will dry and die in hot soil.

Container vegetables may need some additional fertilising due to the extra watering. Nutrients will be washed away quicker in a container than in the ground. A diluted water soluble fertiliser is the best option to use regularly with vegetables.

There have been many varieties of vegetables that have been bred to grow in containers. They are generally referred to a ''dwarf'' varieties for obvious reasons. A list of suggested varieties and container sizes may help with your selection. Check with your seed supplier on the varieties they recommend.

Composting is where the gardening thing comes full circle. You''ve created your garden bed, you''ve nurtured your plants.

The results have been eaten by the family...and now the plants and refuse from the garden can be recycled into next year''s compost. It is the closed loop of nature.

This is so simple and so obvious a thing to do, I''m still staggered that people will send this sort of rubbish to the tip.

When I was totally intimidated about cooking and convinced I couldn''t do it, a friend of mine said ''It''s just chemistry. If you add X to Y under these conditions, this MUST happen''. I think this applies big time to composting.

So what does your compost need to work?

It needs moisture (but not too much).

It needs heat (and will generate a good deal on it''s own)

It needs air.

It needs bugs, bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms (pretty much under the ''Build it and they will come'' principle)

There are a few ways to work the compost. If you have a bit of room, build a couple of 3 sided enclosures (about 1M square) out of wood, wire, tin, whatever is laying about the place. If you''re in a place that gets a lot of rain, think about keeping a tarp handy so the compost heap doesn''t get too soggy. It should be in a shady corner of your garden.

Composting doesn''t work if you continually feed just one pile. The composting is never finished in those circumstances. So start with one pile by adding waste plant and kitchen refuse. This can include grass clippings, spent plants, fruit peelings, egg shells and non fatty kitchen scraps.

NEVER use fat, oil or meat in your compost. They will attract vermin. Other things that will slow down your compost include paper, rice hulls, wood shavings, woody cuttings and tough or oily leaves (like those from evergreens). Diseased plants and weeds should also be kept out of your compost.

Fill the compost enclosure to 6-8 inches (15-20cm) with your refuse. Then spread a couple of scoops of agricultural lime and a handful of complete fertilizer. Continue layering to a height of about 3 feet over time. Every few weeks, turn the compost to encourage decomposition. If the compost material is dry, give it a light watering after turning.

Unless you have access to a greenhouse, or something like it, those living in cooler climates will have to start seedlings indoors if they are to take full advantage of their growing season.

Here are some gardening tips to starting seedlings indoors.

You can use an enclosed porch, a garage, a shed or a basement. Make sure you have sufficient counterspace to work comfortably.

Growing seeds is pretty straightforward. Give them what they need (light, water, warmth) and they will sprout. Simple as that. But don''t start them too soon! In 4-6 weeks they will be ready to go out into the garden. If you are still experiencing frosts, they will be killed.

Prepare your containers, whether they are trays, egg cartons, yoghurt containers or jiffy pots and make sure they have drainage holes. Your indoor seedlings are going to need a lot of light...more light than a regular plant, to get them going.

So arrange lights over your seedlings. Plan to have these lights on for up to 15 hours a day. Put a fan in the room on low to keep the air circulating too. This is surprisingly important. If the air is static the plants will not prosper.

Seeds need to be warm to germinate. They will be comfortable in a temperature between 60-70F during the day and will generally tolerate 50-60F overnight. Covering them with plastic or fabric or newspaper can assist in keeping them warm until they sprout.

Make sure your indoor seedlings are kept moist but not soggy. Once proper leaves appear (the first two are just seed leaves) feed them with a weak fish fertilizer mixed with water.

The no dig garden is exactly what it describes...a fertile garden bed with no digging at all. It involves layering clean, organic materials that will literally compost around your plants as they grow.

The No Dig Garden is built on top of the ground, so you can build a garden anywhere. This makes it extremely attractive for those sites that have poor soil or are weed infested. It''s also a great method of gardening for those that can''t (or don''t want to) dig a garden patch!

The site you choose for your garden must get at least 5 hours of sunlight a day. Drainage will be good because of the materials that will be used in making the garden.

If you are planting over lawn or weeds, mow them to ground level. If you are planting on a hard surface, put down some cushioning organic material first (like seaweed or leaves).

To build your no dig garden start with a layer of newspaper (no colour printing), at least 6mm (1/4 inch) thick. Surround the garden with some sort of border material. This can be bricks, logs, planks or rocks but should be at least 20-25CM high (8-10 inches) to contain the organic material within.

Lay down a layer of lucerne hay leaving no gaps, to a height of 10cm (about 4 inches). Layer some good organic fertilizer on top to a height of 20mm (1 inch). This can be just about any sort of good quality material like chicken, horse, cow or sheep manure.

Add another thick layer of straw to the garden 150mm (6 inches) and another layer of fertilizer and then top it off with a 100mm (4 inches) of compost.

Water the garden until it''s soaking and let it settle for a few days before planting.

You will know that if you have spent at least some time reflecting on the world around you, some things cannot be explained in purely scientific terms. Armies of scientists and researchers swarm in labs around the world trying to take the mystery out of every bit of wonder we witness.

What is it that attracts us to a future partner? Scientists will say...tiny, odour sensors in our noses!

What causes shimmering lights in the night sky? Scientists say...sun spots affecting the earth''s electromagnetic field.

It is true (I guess) that those things come about due to some sort of cause and effect from physical laws we have devised.

But it takes so much of the magic and mystery out of our lives.

Maybe it''s a sunspot...but can I see a sunspot and predict the result? No I can''t...All I can see is the mystery and beauty of the results. Can''t I just spend some time enjoying the wonder of it?

If I managed to see my future partner across a crowded room and feel an instant ''twinge'' does it make it any less magic? Is it worth reflecting on how, despite being born at opposite ends of the earth, we found ourselves in the same place and time at a random event that saw two worlds collide? I think it is. Because no event is a result of just one other event. It is always a combination of physical law and mysterious circumstance.

So is it so surprising that we can divine mysterious things in our gardens?

Take the case of companion planting, particularly in a vegetable garden. Companion planting is when the health and yields of particular plants can be improved by planting specific other plants near them. For instance, peas love being near beans, corn, carrots and cucumbers, but really hate being near onions. Potatoes enjoy the company of beans, peas and cabbage but are unhappy near tomatoes.

Any number of botanists will tell you that there are ''reasons'' for this. Some attract the sort of bugs another needs, some have a scent that disturbs the progress of others. But wait a second...doesn''t this sound just a little bit like personality?

Is it not possible that some plants just generally get along better with others because... what? They get what they need from them? They enjoy their company? Sound like another species you might be familiar with??

When you buy art, you may think you not consciously choosing a colour scheme so much as buying something which appeals to your eye. You may prefer certain subjects for your pictures, such as land or seascapes, but certain colours, which do appear in these types of painting do evoke inner feelings and emotions. We know that some colours are calm and restful, some are hot, fiery and emotive.

Apart from colours used in actual artworks, it is easy to change the look of a picture with the window mount or frame used for it''s display. Certain colours which may be used to mat a picture with can appear to alter colours used in the execution of a painting. You will not see this unless you actually place different coloured mountboards around a painting. Then you will see how different a painting can look. By selecting the correct colour mount, you can make a good painting look fantastic!

Next time you go out to buy artwork, instead of letting the subject dominate your choice, why not work out what feeling you would like the painting to add to your room. Do you want something to liven you up when you look at it; get the blood pumping, or do you want a picture that brings a sense of calm peace to a room? You can easily use colour to serve these purposes. So, how does different colour affect the senses?

Red - An intense colour, it stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It wakes you up, even agitates you....... It is also the color of love.

Pink - Is more tranquilising. Research has suggested that this colour makes people calmer. One prison painted their cells pink and it reduced aggressive behaviour among the inmates.

Orange - The bright, happy, stimulating colour. Also associated with learning, which makes it great for a children''s room.

Would you like to make your house feel more like a home? Is it comfortable enough, but not really special? If so, I have some easy ''arty'' tips to make your environment that bit more special.

Before you start making any alterations, or adding anything, you need to clean and declutter. This helps you to see rooms more clearly and what space you have to utilise. When this is done you can start to improve your surroundings.

Use enticing aromas. How much nicer it is to enter a room with a lovely aroma than one with the usual household smells such as pet odour, cooking smells or stale smoke. Certain scents have the power to promote clarity of mind and positive thoughts. Start using scented candles, incense or aromatherapy oils or sprays regularly.

Hang beautiful artwork. Make your home completely unique by having original artwork on your walls. You don''t have to pay thousands for gorgeous contemporary artworks. Many websites, including mine, have beautiful paintings for sale at really reasonable prices. What a talking point your original artwork will make when you have guests.

Say it with flowers. A lovely floral display not only looks fabulous but also provides a fresh smell. Try to display flowers in an nconventional way by using unique containers or putting together plants and flowers which are not usually displayed together.

Uplift with colour. If you are unsure about using bold or more vibrant colour than usual, simply paint in one wall in a room with a bold accent. This way you will get a lift without being overpowered by strong colour.

Use lighting. Either table lamps or floor lamps can create a wonderful ambience in any room. Light up dark corners for a homely glow.

To make your home more energy efficient, you need to understand the energy efficiency of different types of heating and cooling systems. Many times people are confused by inaccurate information they receive from manufacturers and sellers of heating and cooling equipment. But all you need to know in order to make wise decisions when purchasing this equipment are a few simple facts.

First of all, the proper sizing of equipment is of utmost importance for comfort and low utility bills. Once the proper size is known, then you must decide what type of system best suits your needs. Let''s look at three ways houses are heated.

Natural gas furnace,
Air-to-air electric heat pump,
Geothermal heat pump (electricity).

Now, let''s consider how efficient they are. And when I talk about heating efficiency, I''m talking about how efficiently the system converts either natural gas or electricity to heat for you home.

A typical gas furnace will be rated at about 80 percent efficiency when it is new and if it is installed properly. That percentage will lessen with each year''s use. An 80-percent efficiency rating means that 80 percent of the gas used will provide heat and the other 20 percent goes up the flue. For example, look at your neighbor''s gas flue on a cold winter morning and see the steam coming out.

While I don''t recommend this, a gas furnace that is 90-percent efficient can be used. With this unit, about 10 percent of the fuel goes up the flue. At first glance, you might think 80 to 90 percent sounds pretty good. But consider this. Would you purchase gasoline for your car and pump 10 to 20 percent of it on the ground? In my opinion, our nation would not have to worry about shortages of natural gas if we simply didn''t waste it.

It seems like about three million of you have asked me to explain how a geothermal system works. Well, maybe not three million, but it''s a bunch of you and I''m honored that I have the opportunity to do it. Now you''ve probably already figured out that I''m not smart enough to be real technical, but I do have some common sense. So I will use a common-sense approach to explain how the most efficient heating and cooling system available today can help you.

Actually you could get the Oct. 25, 1948, issue of Life magazine and get a great explanation. That''s correct, 1948. Geothermal units are not new, but it has only been in recent years that they''ve gained in popularity. It just takes awhile for adults to embrace new ideas, especially if they cost more money. Notice that I said adults. When I show high school students how you can spend $50 more per month on installing a geothermal unit and save $75 per month on your utility bill, they simply say "cool." No discussion or argument. They would take it in a minute.

OK, OK ? here''s how it works. All energy comes from the sun. Mr. Sunshine has provided a lot of BTUs for a lot of years and Mother Earth has absorbed and stored that energy. A closed-loop geothermal system simply removes those BTUs from Mother Earth in the winter and gives them back in the summer.

At depths of five feet or more, the earth temperature remains close to 57 degrees, as evidenced by a cave''s temperature. This temperature varies only slightly across the United States.

There are two basic ways to install a geothermal unit. If digging a trench is difficult or if space is limited, geothermal contractors drill holes into the ground vertically to install small-diameter polyethylene pipe. If digging a horizontal trench is feasible, the pipe is installed in a horizontal trench.

A very small pump then circulates water from the earth to the geothermal unit and back to the ground in the closed-loop pipe. Actually, geothermal is not the best name for this unit. A better name is ground-coupled heat pump or water-to-air heat pump. As you learned in my last newsletter, a heat pump doesn''t create heat, it just moves heat from one location to another using a compressor. Example: A window air conditioner blows cool air inside and hot air outside. If you turn the air conditioner around, it will blow hot air inside and cool air outside.

How many of you have experienced this situation? As the wind blows outside and the temperature drops, you get chilled even while you are standing in the middle of your home.

How does this happen?

The three biggest problems with the comfort of your home are,

1) air infiltration

2) air infiltration

3) air infiltration

The total air infiltration in an average house is the equivalent of having a door or window open every day of your life. Now, you''ve probably heard it said that a house needs to breathe. In all my years in this work, I''ve never had anyone really explain why a house needs to breathe or even what that statement really means. Another word for house breathing is, simply put, leaks.

Just think with me for a moment. If you can keep the cold air from getting in, it won''t take as much to heat your house. Not to mention the fact that you would be a lot more comfortable in your home. So where does the air come in?

Think of it this way. Anywhere an ant can get in, air can get in. Here are a few major problem areas:

Where your wall touches your slab.

Cracks between the wood framing in your home''s walls.

Around electrical receptacles and light switches in your house, even on interior walls. (When the north wind is blowing, go feel the electrical outlets and switches on your north wall.)

Holes and leaks around your sink plumbing. Forget the ants, sometimes a mouse can get through these holes.

Gas and fireplace flues.

Recessed can lights that are not IC-rated. Between 3 and 10 cubic feet per minute of air will pass through one of these lights. A typical plastic garbage bag is 3 cubic feet. So that means that three garbage bags full of air can leak out of one of those lights every minute.

The return air system of your heating/cooling unit. In the average house, gigantic amounts of air enter through this system.

So how are you going to stop the cold air from penetrating your home this winter? The solution is mostly labor and a little bit material. Now, say this with me.

Caulk it

In these days of climate change, the UK summer is believe or not, getting warmer and sunnier. Whilst this gives us opportunity to enjoy more time in the garden and sitting on the patio. It also means we need to take measures to protect against the sun''s harmful rays. This is where a patio awning comes in.

Many properties have french windows or patio doors leading onto the patio or decking area of the garden. This area has been much under used and folks do not realise the benefits from having an awning attached above the french doors and the extra dimension this will give. It is like having another living room. With the shelter the awning provides, the patio can be used regardless of the prevailing weather conditions.

As previously discussed, the patio awning will provide protection from the harmful ultra voilet rays, which is a major concern in modern times. In addition, the awning will obviously protect from summer rain as well, which means you will not have to keeping dodging the showers and moving furniture in and out. As the furniture is protected from sun and rain, the awning will help stop the elements damaging the furniture.

The awning will basically give you a second dining room as well as living room and you will be able to enjoy all your meals outside under the protective canvas. The awning will offer some protection for barbeques as well and offer some insurance against the unpredictable summer showers. Not only will you be able to dine alfresco, but also with some privacy from onlooking neighbours.

It''s amazing -- some people manage to get a complete aerobic workout just while preparing dinner! Back and forth, back and forth -- I get tired just watching! Today, pay attention to the way you move while you cook. How many times do you cross the length of your kitchen in one evening? Do you find yourself doing squats to get at your pans? Stretches to reach your dishes? Are you becoming a world-class hurdler, jumping over the dog''s dish every time you go from refrigerator to stove? All it takes is a few minutes to re-arrange your kitchen storage, saving you a lot of time and energy in the long run.

HONEY, IS THIS GOOD?

We all know how disgusting it is to pull an item out of the fridge, only to discover that it has mutated. However, we often mistakenly confuse NON-PERISHABLE with INDESTRUCTIBLE. Even Twinkies have an expiration date! Do yourself a favor today -- go through your cabinets and toss out anything that is old, rancid, stale, or hairy. And as you purge, be sure to keep a shopping list of items you need to replace. It''s also not a bad idea to make cleaning out the kitchen a part of your regular "home maintenance" routine. You may use these food "life expectancies" as a guide -- but when in doubt, trust your gut (or your nose!):

- Canned foods (2-5 years)
- Flours (3-6 months)
- Cereal (6 months)
- Grains / Legumes (1 year)
- Pasta (1 year)
- Dried Herbs (6 months)
- Spices (6-12 months)
- Condiments (1 year)

FIVE "CENTERS"

Every implement or supply that you use tends to fall into one of five categories -- cleaning, food storage, cooking, food preparation, and serving. The goal is to keep your equipment nearest the appropriate center, making it easier for you to perform your kitchen duties.

- Your CLEANING station consists of the sink, dishwasher, and trashcan. Of course, soap, disinfectants, sponges, and rags should be stored in a cabinet nearby.

Thinking about installing a home theater system? You''re not alone. Home theater is one of the fastest growing areas areas in home entertainment and the advent of DVD recorders and HDTV means your set-up can now be entirely digital, without an inch of video tape in site.

Installing a home theater is a big decision and requires careful planning. Luckily there are a number of resources around to help you and you needn''t be a technical expert or a hi-fi buff to get the job done.

One of the first decisions you''ll need to make before you set about installing a home theater is whether your going to dedicate a whole room to the theater or whether it will share a space with a lounge, dining room, or office. Having a dedicated room allows you to position seating and speakers in the optimum position and you can seriously consider a projector and screen without it looking as out of place as it might in your living room.

Obviously budget is another consideration and this will dictate which equipment you buy initially and what you save for another day. As a bare minimum you''ll want a DVD player, widescreen television, and a surround sound audio amplifier and speakers. We''d recommend opting for a DVD recorder like this one from Phillips, or this from Panasonic. They''re obviously more expensive than a DVD player, but will give you much greater flexibility. And don''t forget to budget for cabling, its a very important part of installing a home theatre and one that''s often overlooked.

"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We''re all familiar with this quote, it''s normally associated with gifts not home decorating, but it should be.

A one or two bedroom house, apartment, condo or townhouse can be just as impressive and grand as something with fifteen bathrooms, Wow, imaging having to clean all those, I have enough trouble with two.

One interesting things I have found from past experience is that decorating a smaller place is actually easier, not to mention less expensive.

Whether your currently living in a small space or downsizing ? that''s another one of those trendy "buzz" words, which simply means your moving into something smaller ? planning how your going to decorate or redecorate is a good idea.

You may think because it''s smaller, having large pieces is out of the question. Not true, having oversized furniture is not going to make your rooms appear smaller, what it will do is give a warm inviting feeling. Of course the layout and size of a room will determine how many pieces can comfortably go into it. After all, you may be looking for drama and comfort, but you still need to be able to maneuver around.

This also applies to accessories; it''s better to have a few large dramatic pieces as opposed to a lot of small items, which can tend to turn into clutter and dust collectors. The exception to this would be with collections. But again you want to have places to showcase them like glass front hutches, cabinets, bookcases or shelves.

Another decorating challenge can be in warming up your new place. This normally can easily be achieved by adding color with paint. Now that''s all fine and good unless you happen to be renting and your landlord say''s "Paint, oh no". That''s ok; color can be added in a number of other ways. Several examples:

• Window treatments

• Furniture fabric

• Accent pillows

• Area rugs

• Wall art

• Plants & Flowers

Storage can be another issue in a smaller space, there just never seems to be enough. If you''re buying new furniture or deciding on which pieces to bring from your current home, look for ones that can perform double duty.

For example:

• Instead of the standard coffee table, look for one with a flip top or shelves underneath. Cedar chests, blanket chests or trunks can also be substituted.

• Place an armoire intended for the bedroom in the living room it''s the perfect storage place for remotes, magazines, extra bedding, kitchen linen or any of those pesky little things you just can''t seem to find a place for.

• A small floor cabinet you might have used in a bathroom can become an end table. Most of these come with drawers, shelves or both.

• Decorative stacking boxes or even old suitcases not only make for great storage, but the also become terrific accessories.

• Plastic storage boxes come in a variety of sizes, colors and are inexpensive. They can be stacked on shelves in a closet or cabinet, even into drawers. Clear smaller sizes are perfect storage for shoes, winter gloves, pictures or how about extension cords, nails, packages of hooks or hand tools. Larger sizes can keep extra winter coats, blankets, odd season clothes or seasonal decorations neat and in one place.

• Baskets and hampers are another option.

• Kids rooms are always in need of extra places for all their treasures, plastic milk crates are perfect for them. They come in many bright brilliant colors. One suggestion, if you are planning on stacking the crates and have small children it would be beneficial to secure them to the wall.

• Plastic shelving units, which can be found in most discount stores, are perfect for mounting on the backs of doors or on the wall in closets. These come in especially handy in the kitchen for holding extra soda bottles, canned goods, paper towel etc.

Well, I think you''ve gotten the idea, look around and use your imagination; you will be surprised with what you can come up with.

Moving into and decorating a small space can be challenging, but with a little planning it can be just a beautiful as any large house. And in the end size really doesn''t matter, if it''s filled with the people and things you love, then you have successfully created a home.

This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2004 Bonnie Carrier

About The Author

Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Having been a homemaker for over 23yrs has provided years of experience in budget decorating and organization. Stop by Savvy Home Decorating - www.savvy-home-decorating.com - for ideas and tips on budget decorating: bonnie@savvy-home-decorating.com', 167, 'Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces, Interior-Decorating, Interior-Decorating articles, Interior-Decorating information, about Interior-Decorating, what is Interior-Decorating, Interior Design & Decorating Information', 'Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces plus articles and information on Interior-Decorating

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Home decorating, ever wanted to try it, but hesitated because of time constraints or budget concerns. The following ideas will not only give instant results, but more importantly fit into any budget.

1. Changing the Look of Your Walls

Adding a new color or changing the texture, can give the room a completely new appearance and that may be the only decorating change that is necessary. The easiest option is to paint, and with the color choices available, the possibilities are endless. Another consideration would be wallpaper; the only problem you may have is choosing a design. If on the other hand, only a little something extra is needed a simple stencil design might just do the trick. Any of these ideas can be used either individually or in combination with each other.

2. Look to Your Windows For a Whole New View

Changing your window treatments is probably the easiest of any home decorating projects. The choices range from styles that include drapes, tab-top, cafe and shears, backgrounds of solid colors, floral and stripes, fabrics that include silk, cotton, lace or velvet. The most economical is ready-made; they are very affordable therefore giving you the opportunity to make changes more often.

3. Accessories Make Your Decorating Complete

Some of the more common are area rugs, wall art, lamps, pillows and cozy throws. Items for the kitchen make beautiful additions, for example; canisters, dinnerware, dishtowels or decorative bottles filled with oils and vinegar. Add a little whimsy with oversized ceramic figures like roosters, or the adorable pigs holding chalkboard menus. Bathrooms are another area for pretty accessories like decorative soaps placed in a bowl or basket; towels come in so many colors and designs now that they alone make great accessories. Last but not least do not forget candles and bowls of potpourri.

4. Collectibles Bring a Personal Touch to Home Decorating

Have you ever had the pleasure of strolling through a forest covered with fragrant pine needles? Can you imagine those pine needles being crafted into a basket, tray, or sculpture? In this article, you will discover the brief history of pine needle baskets and how to use these beautiful and fragrant works of art in your home decor.

Pine needle basketry has most likely existed for as long as pine trees and people have shared the earth. Historical references do not indicate when pine needles were first used in baskets. However, due to the availability of pine needles in their area, Seminole Indians of South Florida are noted to be the first pine needle basket makers. The Seminole Indians used a bone or shell needle to sew bundles of pine needles together with fern roots, sisal, or swamp grass. Some of the baskets were used for feed baskets, to carry water, and for winnowing seeds.

Modern pine needle basketry is noted to have begun during the Civil War times (1861-1865) when Mrs. M.J. McAfee of Southern Georgia used pine needles that she bound together with cotton thread to replace a worn hat for her father. She claimed to be the originator of pine needle basketry as we know it today.

In the present day, pine needle baskets are most often created using the coiling technique, which is one of the oldest and most universal methods of basket making. The basket is created by coiling and stitching one continuous bundle of pine needles around and on top of the row below. The foundation of the basket is formed with a bundle of pine needles bound together with various fibers such as raffia, split roots, birch paper, yucca, sinew, embroidery thread, yarn or waxed linen thread. Decorative stitches and wrapping techniques are often used to make the basket strong as well as add an attractive element. The most common stitches used are the straight wheat stitch, spiral wheat stitch, fern stitch, popcorn stitch, diamond stitch, the Indian wrap, and numerous knot stitches.

Hawaii is a first choice travel destination with millions of people - and for good reason. Bring a little of that island feeling into your home, either indoors or in your outdoor living space. You can apply this theme to an elegant dinner party, a fun and funky luau, or anything in between.

1. First, look at the space itself, including floors, walls, roof or ceiling.

Texture

Think natural materials. Try bamboo matting on the floor. It''s fairly inexpensive, very durable and easy on the feet. For a roof or large patio umbrella, consider palm leaf thatch.

Color

Choose rich vibrant colors inspired by island vegetation: hibiscus red, bird of paradise orange or palm tree green. Use pineapple and mango colored accents. Bright navy or marine blue makes an effective background.

2. Next, add the furniture. Again, natural materials are best. For example, raffia table skirts and rattan or bamboo furniture are a fast way to create that island atmosphere. If you''re using indoor dining chairs or resin patio chairs and want an elegant feel, consider slipovers made of a fabric with a Hawaiian print.

3. Now add lighting. Real flame, whether in candles or bamboo torches, will give you the most authentic look.

4. Last but not least, accessorize.

Motifs

When you think of Hawaii, you probably imagine palm trees swaying in the breeze, brightly colored exotic flowers, or maybe even hula dancers and surfboards. Each of these is an example of a motif.

Choose one motif and run with it, or mix a couple. Motifs with a common theme (such as Hawaii!) can be easily tied together by style or color.

Once you''ve picked a motif, you''ll find lots of ideas for adding it to your room. From windsocks and stepping stones to tablecloths and salt & pepper shakers, the list of thematic accessories you can find is seemingly endless.

Painting walls in various colors is a quick and easy way to decorate any room in your home. But when you''re looking for something a bit more artistic and unique, you might try your hand at stenciling.

Stencils come in a variety of forms: Simple geometric shapes to elaborate scenery. Really good stencils can actually reproduce famous paintings and designs too.

A simple room decoration stencil pattern to start with is borders. Stenciling borders can be done in addition to existing wallpaper, or as a replacement. Stenciled borders can be repeated geometric designs, or more detailed repeating patterns such as vines, flowers or leaves. Borders can also be placed at the top of a wall, the bottom, or in dead center for variating effects and design influences.

Stencils allow you to create friezes as well. This is done simply by starting with a strong contrasting color at the top, and carried downward through gradually fading tints until they are lost in the general color of the wall

There once was a pink and silver room belonging to a young girl, where the salmon-pink walls were deepened in color at the top into almost a tint of vermilion which had in it a trace of green. It was, in fact, an addition of spring green dropped into the vermilion and carelessly stirred, so that it should be mixed but not incorporated. Over this shaded and mixed color for the space of three feet was stencilled a fountain-like pattern in cream-white, the arches of the pattern rilled in with almost a lace-work of design. The whole upper part had an effect like carved alabaster and was indescribably light and graceful.

This is an example of very delicate and truly artistic treatment of stencil-work, and one can easily see how it can be used either in simple or elaborate fashion with great effect.