Okay so you have made a conscious decision to get a non lethal self defense weapon instead of a handgun. Now what?
Non lethal self-defense weapons are gaining in popularity because they are effective against attacks. Martial arts and other self-defense courses are great to learn, but for many people, they take too much time to learn and can be expensive. You are not always going to have the opportunity to use learned self-defense skills. Non lethal self defense weapons such as stun guns, pepper sprays, tasers, etc. are a more practical way to go.
Before you go out and purchase a non lethal self-defense weapon you should consider some of the following points:
• WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU? Study and learn as much as you can. See what weapon is going to be right for you both on a physical and mental level.
•LEARN HOW TO USE IT. Having a self defense weapon and not knowing how to use it can injure you as easily as it can hurt your assailant. Once you have chosen a self-defense product, ask for proper instructions on how to use it, or take a course in using the products properly. Then PRACTICE using it until it becomes second nature.
•IS IT LEGAL IN YOUR AREA?You don’t want the embarrassment of being harassed by local law enforcement. Take the time to see if you are allowed to carry the self-defense product you have chosen. Some may need permits or other permission before you can carry them around in public.
•DON'T OVERCARRY – If pepper spray is going to give you the jump you need to defend against an assailant, then there is really no need to carry air guns, slingshots or a taser. When the time comes to use your weapon there cannot be any indecision as to which to use.
Self defense products can get you out of a bad situation – there is no doubt about that. Unless you know what you need, how to use that product, and the legality of it, you may be getting into trouble. You can actually do yourself more harm that good by not doing your homework before you invest time and money into self-defense products. They can save your life, your money and provide you with peace of mind.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Become Part of the ‘Recycling for Charity’ Program!
Did you know that aluminum, which was discovered in the 1820s, is the most abundant metal on earth? There are many things about this metal that you are probably unaware of. For instance, due to the fact that people recycle over half of the aluminum cans, two thirds of the aluminum ever produced is still being used today. This is also possible due to the qualities of this metal, durability and sustainability.
Moreover, did you know it only takes up to sixty days for a can to be recycled and back on the shelves as a new can, and that more than 100,000 aluminum cans are being recycled every minute? Or that the energy saved by recycling one can could keep you television running for about four hours? Transforming used cans into new ones takes about 95% less energy than it would take to make cans using virgin ore. Just imagine this: if you toss away an aluminum can and not recycle it, the energy loss is comparable to how much you would lose if you were to pour out half that can’s volume of gasoline.
If these facts don’t convince you that you should start recycling aluminum cans, let us give you some more reasons. For instance, are you aware of the environmental benefits this action has? These include saving natural resources, energy, money and time. What about the economic benefits? Over $800 million are paid annually by the aluminum industry for empty cans. Think about all the things this money could be used for! Due to its properties, aluminum can be recycled entirely and indefinitely, and the aluminum can is the most recyclable of all materials.
If you still have doubts about the importance of recycling aluminum cans, consider recycling for charity. The money that the aluminum industry pays for the used cans annually could go to charitable organizations, and really make a difference for people who need it the most.
Recycle for charities such as providing better education, helping the elderly and the homeless, fighting poverty, developing your community, AIDS research, and many more.
Aside from keeping our environment clean, and providing a useful resource for the recycling industry, you can recycle for charities, and help charitable organizations earn funds for their projects.
Recycling for charity is a noble act, as it can eventually lead to the improvement of the lives of many people in need, such as people with incurable diseases, whose condition requires expensive treatments, homeless people, old people, children in need of better living conditions and a proper education. You can contribute to all of these, by doing no more than recycling the aluminum cans that you have used.
A simple as this concept may seem, try to think of the big picture, and think of yourself as one of the many people who recycle for charity. How can you become an active part of this process? It is very simple. All it takes is that you place a container for used cans next to your beverage vending machine or inside the lunchroom in your building. The organization handling this program will take care of the rest. Recycling for charity is that easy!
Moreover, did you know it only takes up to sixty days for a can to be recycled and back on the shelves as a new can, and that more than 100,000 aluminum cans are being recycled every minute? Or that the energy saved by recycling one can could keep you television running for about four hours? Transforming used cans into new ones takes about 95% less energy than it would take to make cans using virgin ore. Just imagine this: if you toss away an aluminum can and not recycle it, the energy loss is comparable to how much you would lose if you were to pour out half that can’s volume of gasoline.
If these facts don’t convince you that you should start recycling aluminum cans, let us give you some more reasons. For instance, are you aware of the environmental benefits this action has? These include saving natural resources, energy, money and time. What about the economic benefits? Over $800 million are paid annually by the aluminum industry for empty cans. Think about all the things this money could be used for! Due to its properties, aluminum can be recycled entirely and indefinitely, and the aluminum can is the most recyclable of all materials.
If you still have doubts about the importance of recycling aluminum cans, consider recycling for charity. The money that the aluminum industry pays for the used cans annually could go to charitable organizations, and really make a difference for people who need it the most.
Recycle for charities such as providing better education, helping the elderly and the homeless, fighting poverty, developing your community, AIDS research, and many more.
Aside from keeping our environment clean, and providing a useful resource for the recycling industry, you can recycle for charities, and help charitable organizations earn funds for their projects.
Recycling for charity is a noble act, as it can eventually lead to the improvement of the lives of many people in need, such as people with incurable diseases, whose condition requires expensive treatments, homeless people, old people, children in need of better living conditions and a proper education. You can contribute to all of these, by doing no more than recycling the aluminum cans that you have used.
A simple as this concept may seem, try to think of the big picture, and think of yourself as one of the many people who recycle for charity. How can you become an active part of this process? It is very simple. All it takes is that you place a container for used cans next to your beverage vending machine or inside the lunchroom in your building. The organization handling this program will take care of the rest. Recycling for charity is that easy!
Recycling and Charity
When we think of recycling, the first thing we associate it with is the benefits that this action has upon our environment. If we think about it a little more, we might even consider the economic reasons, and start giving some serious thought to recycling. But there is one other important aspect that many of us have never thought of – the social reasons. In other words, what about recycling for charities? Yes, that’s right. Now you can recycle for charity and help the less fortunate people, while keeping our environment clean.
Many people find it easier to give away used objects rather than donate money. Such objects include used cell phones, inkjet cartridges, toner cartridges, all sorts of wireless objects, and even aluminum cans.
Aluminum is the perfect metal for recycling, for several reasons. First of all, it can be recycled over and over again, and used indefinitely. We are now using approximately two thirds of all the aluminum that has been produced since its discovery, some one hundred and eighty years ago! Secondly, recycling used aluminum cans save a lot of energy, by comparison to producing new ones from virgin ore. A single recycled can saves enough energy as to keep a 100W-bulb running for about four hours! Moreover, we are saving on our natural resources, while protecting our environment.
All this being said, what more reasons do we need for recycle used aluminum cans? If you take into consideration the fact that you’re recycling a used object which is no longer of use to you, and help some unfortunate people in the process, recycling for charities becomes all the more useful and dignifying.
You may consider that your effort doesn’t count for too much, because a used aluminum can is only worth about one cent. You couldn’t be farther from the truth. Statistics say that 2.5 canned beverages are consumed by each employee daily, while at work. Think about what this means at a large scale, and how much money could be raised if you were to start a ‘recycle for charity’ campaign in a company or organization. And the process is as simple as contacting a charitable organization that deals with such things and installing a container on the location. They will take care of all the other aspects of the program.
A recycling for charities program can be started in schools as well, and it you be all the more beneficial, as children can be involved in this fund raising program, and be given a good reason to be responsible and proud of themselves. They will be taught that even children can help in making a difference on the environment and on society.
If you have any questions as to where the money is going when you recycle for charity, you will probably be happy to learn that this money is used exclusively to help the less fortunate people from all over the world.
Remember that recycling for charities makes you and the others environmentally aware, while helping people in need, such as children from poor third-world countries, homeless people, sick people, old people, and many more.
Many people find it easier to give away used objects rather than donate money. Such objects include used cell phones, inkjet cartridges, toner cartridges, all sorts of wireless objects, and even aluminum cans.
Aluminum is the perfect metal for recycling, for several reasons. First of all, it can be recycled over and over again, and used indefinitely. We are now using approximately two thirds of all the aluminum that has been produced since its discovery, some one hundred and eighty years ago! Secondly, recycling used aluminum cans save a lot of energy, by comparison to producing new ones from virgin ore. A single recycled can saves enough energy as to keep a 100W-bulb running for about four hours! Moreover, we are saving on our natural resources, while protecting our environment.
All this being said, what more reasons do we need for recycle used aluminum cans? If you take into consideration the fact that you’re recycling a used object which is no longer of use to you, and help some unfortunate people in the process, recycling for charities becomes all the more useful and dignifying.
You may consider that your effort doesn’t count for too much, because a used aluminum can is only worth about one cent. You couldn’t be farther from the truth. Statistics say that 2.5 canned beverages are consumed by each employee daily, while at work. Think about what this means at a large scale, and how much money could be raised if you were to start a ‘recycle for charity’ campaign in a company or organization. And the process is as simple as contacting a charitable organization that deals with such things and installing a container on the location. They will take care of all the other aspects of the program.
A recycling for charities program can be started in schools as well, and it you be all the more beneficial, as children can be involved in this fund raising program, and be given a good reason to be responsible and proud of themselves. They will be taught that even children can help in making a difference on the environment and on society.
If you have any questions as to where the money is going when you recycle for charity, you will probably be happy to learn that this money is used exclusively to help the less fortunate people from all over the world.
Remember that recycling for charities makes you and the others environmentally aware, while helping people in need, such as children from poor third-world countries, homeless people, sick people, old people, and many more.
All About Barbie Doll Collecting - Why Is Barbie So Popular?
Have you ever asked yourself why Barbie doll collecting is so popular? What drives tens of thousands of people to snap up every type of Barbie doll imaginable?
Barbie Was Brilliantly Marketed Mattel learned early on exactly how to market the Barbie doll. No other doll maker has come close to her. Barbie has been seen on TV commercials since the early 1960's. With over 40 years of continuous television exposure you can't help but see the ads throughout your childhood and into adulthood. This exposure has led Barbie to being one of the most popular toys in history.
Barbie Dolls Are Nostalgic
If you are a woman under the age of 60 then you most likely owned a Barbie when you were a kid. Just like baseball cards, if you collected Barbies's when you were young, the chances are good that you enjoy it now.
Many people still have their original dolls from their childhood and it almost has become an obsession to collect each and every Barbie doll there is.
Barbie Is Not A Fad
You know that when you buy a Barbie doll that you will always be able to buy new clothes and accessories for her. She is not here today, gone tomorrow. No other doll can say that.
The Internet Has Fueled Barbie Doll Collecting
That's right, the online world has helped promote Barbie doll collecting to the next level. You can find all sorts of Barbie doll forums as well as websites to purchase Barbie's. Ebay is a great example of this. Both advertisers and collectors alike can get together and discuss anything and everything to do with Barbie, as well as buy and sell.
What does the future hold in store for Barbie doll collecting? No one can say for sure, but if it is anything like the past, you can expect some really great things to take place.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.
Barbie Was Brilliantly Marketed Mattel learned early on exactly how to market the Barbie doll. No other doll maker has come close to her. Barbie has been seen on TV commercials since the early 1960's. With over 40 years of continuous television exposure you can't help but see the ads throughout your childhood and into adulthood. This exposure has led Barbie to being one of the most popular toys in history.
Barbie Dolls Are Nostalgic
If you are a woman under the age of 60 then you most likely owned a Barbie when you were a kid. Just like baseball cards, if you collected Barbies's when you were young, the chances are good that you enjoy it now.
Many people still have their original dolls from their childhood and it almost has become an obsession to collect each and every Barbie doll there is.
Barbie Is Not A Fad
You know that when you buy a Barbie doll that you will always be able to buy new clothes and accessories for her. She is not here today, gone tomorrow. No other doll can say that.
The Internet Has Fueled Barbie Doll Collecting
That's right, the online world has helped promote Barbie doll collecting to the next level. You can find all sorts of Barbie doll forums as well as websites to purchase Barbie's. Ebay is a great example of this. Both advertisers and collectors alike can get together and discuss anything and everything to do with Barbie, as well as buy and sell.
What does the future hold in store for Barbie doll collecting? No one can say for sure, but if it is anything like the past, you can expect some really great things to take place.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.
What Everybody Ought To Know About Decorating With Cheap Wooden Blinds
Cheap wooden blinds are one tactic that smart decorators take advantage of. For around 1/2 price they can get a quality wood blind and have money left for other decorating accessories.
I love decorating with cheap wooden blinds for these five reasons.
They are the same blind.
I will say that one more time. They are the same blind. Not a cheaper imitation but the same bass wood blind that regularly sells for about 50% more. The slats are the same gauge and same width. Same Paint colors, same stain colors, same wood slats as the expensive blinds. The difference is in the options.
Usually you only get 5 or 6 color choices with cheap wooden blinds, there is one company that does give you 15 color choices. You are usually limited to only a string tilt control but here again a couple of the companies do allow you to have a wood wand tilt.
I personally like the wand tilt because I think it works and looks better than the string tilt.
You get a good looking 3" wood valance on these blinds, same size as the regular priced blinds.
Cheap Wood Blinds Cost Way Less!
Less is translated as low, low prices!
How does 1/2 price sound. One major blind retailer has a 36"w x 60"l bass wood blind for $63 and one for $129. The difference, the one for $63 has only five color choices while the expensive one has 21 color choices. There are other options available, but thats a big difference.
Friends and Neighbors Won't Know The Difference.
The only difference is in the price, other than that they are exactly the same blind. The only way anyone will know how little you paid is if you start bragging on the great deal you got.
Watch out! Tell too many people about your great deals and they will start to ask your advice on decorating and soon you will be known as the one to come to for decorating advice.
You Can Decorate More Because You Have Spent Less
One of the constant challenges any decorator has is to stay within budget. The great dividend is that saving all that cash on your wood blinds you now have more cash to spend on other decorating accessories.
Cheap Wooden Blinds Are Versatile
They look great as a stand alone window treatment or you can use them with just about any other window treatment. Cheap wood blinds look great surrounded by a pair of side panels or add a swag and jabot top treatment and you have a window to die for.
Price is the only cheap thing about cheap wooden blinds. Put the expensive blind side by side with the cheap wood blind, they look the same and they feel the same. The use of cheap wood blinds in your home is limited only by your imagination and daring.
I love decorating with cheap wooden blinds for these five reasons.
They are the same blind.
I will say that one more time. They are the same blind. Not a cheaper imitation but the same bass wood blind that regularly sells for about 50% more. The slats are the same gauge and same width. Same Paint colors, same stain colors, same wood slats as the expensive blinds. The difference is in the options.
Usually you only get 5 or 6 color choices with cheap wooden blinds, there is one company that does give you 15 color choices. You are usually limited to only a string tilt control but here again a couple of the companies do allow you to have a wood wand tilt.
I personally like the wand tilt because I think it works and looks better than the string tilt.
You get a good looking 3" wood valance on these blinds, same size as the regular priced blinds.
Cheap Wood Blinds Cost Way Less!
Less is translated as low, low prices!
How does 1/2 price sound. One major blind retailer has a 36"w x 60"l bass wood blind for $63 and one for $129. The difference, the one for $63 has only five color choices while the expensive one has 21 color choices. There are other options available, but thats a big difference.
Friends and Neighbors Won't Know The Difference.
The only difference is in the price, other than that they are exactly the same blind. The only way anyone will know how little you paid is if you start bragging on the great deal you got.
Watch out! Tell too many people about your great deals and they will start to ask your advice on decorating and soon you will be known as the one to come to for decorating advice.
You Can Decorate More Because You Have Spent Less
One of the constant challenges any decorator has is to stay within budget. The great dividend is that saving all that cash on your wood blinds you now have more cash to spend on other decorating accessories.
Cheap Wooden Blinds Are Versatile
They look great as a stand alone window treatment or you can use them with just about any other window treatment. Cheap wood blinds look great surrounded by a pair of side panels or add a swag and jabot top treatment and you have a window to die for.
Price is the only cheap thing about cheap wooden blinds. Put the expensive blind side by side with the cheap wood blind, they look the same and they feel the same. The use of cheap wood blinds in your home is limited only by your imagination and daring.
How to Make a Baby Mobile for Fun, Learning and Saving Money
One thing I find strange is how many parents want to make a baby mobile despite all the fancy, high-tech ones they can buy in shops.
I've often wondered why.
If I disregard saving money, the only conclusion I reach is that you can actually make a very good learning toy if you do it right. Unfortunately few parents know how to make one or even what to look for when buying one.
The sad thing is that many parents still believe that commercial baby mobiles are far superior to homemade ones.
But that's not true!
If you make a good one...
- You can vary and change how much stimulation your baby gets
- Prevent your baby from losing interest and keep his attention, thus getting much more "play and learning value" from your mobile
- It's a simple technique for increasing and growing visual stimulation
- It gives you the right way to encourage grasping with one hand and using both hands together at a very early age, and…
- Very few other baby mobiles give your baby the chance to discover the textures and shapes of different objects
So, how do you make a good learning baby mobile?
Step 1: Find a long dowel rod (at least 12mm/half inch diameter) or even a normal yardstick to use as suspender bar for the baby mobile's crosspiece.
Step 2: Fix this dowel or yardstick (suspender bar) to the top of the cot approximately above your baby's chest.
Step 3: Use a piece of cardboard or plastic tube, wooden clothes hanger (removing the wire hook) or even rubber hose as the crosspiece. No sharp objects allowed.
Step 4: Tie a strong piece of string to the middle of the crosspiece. Tie the other end to the suspender bar at the top of the cot.
Step 5: Tie a piece of string to each end of the mobile's crosspiece.
Step 6: Tie small objects to the end of the string tied to the crosspiece. The object must dangle at the distance of Baby's outstretched hand when lying in the cot.
Step 7: Tie other small objects to the same crosspiece, making sure the crosspiece still balances.
Step 8: Finally… make sure that the swing of the crosspiece is such that when Baby grabs an object, he can handle, touch and feel it.
What are the best objects to hang from the crosspiece?
Everyday toys like colorful booties, blocks, rattles, squeaky toys, small plastic bottles and teething rings work well. In fact… you can use almost any child-safe object as long as it's colorful, have different textures and contrasts light and dark colors.
If you want to get even more from your baby mobile…
Tie only a few objects to the crosspiece at a time, but change them more often… maybe once or more often per week. This keeps your baby's curiosity and interest for much longer.
The thing I like about this baby mobile is that it encourages and teaches your baby to use his senses to work together - one of the first skills all infants must master.
Only once this skill has been fully mastered will he automatically further explore and discover the crosspiece objects.
I've often wondered why.
If I disregard saving money, the only conclusion I reach is that you can actually make a very good learning toy if you do it right. Unfortunately few parents know how to make one or even what to look for when buying one.
The sad thing is that many parents still believe that commercial baby mobiles are far superior to homemade ones.
But that's not true!
If you make a good one...
- You can vary and change how much stimulation your baby gets
- Prevent your baby from losing interest and keep his attention, thus getting much more "play and learning value" from your mobile
- It's a simple technique for increasing and growing visual stimulation
- It gives you the right way to encourage grasping with one hand and using both hands together at a very early age, and…
- Very few other baby mobiles give your baby the chance to discover the textures and shapes of different objects
So, how do you make a good learning baby mobile?
Step 1: Find a long dowel rod (at least 12mm/half inch diameter) or even a normal yardstick to use as suspender bar for the baby mobile's crosspiece.
Step 2: Fix this dowel or yardstick (suspender bar) to the top of the cot approximately above your baby's chest.
Step 3: Use a piece of cardboard or plastic tube, wooden clothes hanger (removing the wire hook) or even rubber hose as the crosspiece. No sharp objects allowed.
Step 4: Tie a strong piece of string to the middle of the crosspiece. Tie the other end to the suspender bar at the top of the cot.
Step 5: Tie a piece of string to each end of the mobile's crosspiece.
Step 6: Tie small objects to the end of the string tied to the crosspiece. The object must dangle at the distance of Baby's outstretched hand when lying in the cot.
Step 7: Tie other small objects to the same crosspiece, making sure the crosspiece still balances.
Step 8: Finally… make sure that the swing of the crosspiece is such that when Baby grabs an object, he can handle, touch and feel it.
What are the best objects to hang from the crosspiece?
Everyday toys like colorful booties, blocks, rattles, squeaky toys, small plastic bottles and teething rings work well. In fact… you can use almost any child-safe object as long as it's colorful, have different textures and contrasts light and dark colors.
If you want to get even more from your baby mobile…
Tie only a few objects to the crosspiece at a time, but change them more often… maybe once or more often per week. This keeps your baby's curiosity and interest for much longer.
The thing I like about this baby mobile is that it encourages and teaches your baby to use his senses to work together - one of the first skills all infants must master.
Only once this skill has been fully mastered will he automatically further explore and discover the crosspiece objects.
Simple Steps to Organizing Your Outdoor Barbeque Area
If you're planning to do any barbecuing at all, it's going to be important for you to make sure that your grill area in general and the grill itself is optimized and organized! It doesn't matter if you're planning to grill all summer long or keep it restricted to a few large bashes around the Fourth of July and Labor Day, having your outdoor barbeque area organized will make a big difference in just about every area that counts.
One of the first things to keep in mind is that through organizing your barbeque area, the person in charge of the grill will be a great deal more comfortable. For instance, consider the location. In the middle of the July heat, you aren't going to want to be standing over a hot grill in direct sunlight. Rather than crowding your barbeque equipment into the best shade available, why not make your own? Umbrella sunshades can be mounted directly next to your grill, providing you with shade as well as adding a jaunty note to your back yard.
One way to organize your barbeque area is to make sure that everything has its proper place. This can be a little difficult, as the trays that attach to the grill itself can be quite small. The way around this, of course, is to provide your own! There are lots of great options out there in terms of stands that you can place by the grill. If you don't want to move the stand, you can modify it to your heart's content. Look for one with lots of hooks where you can hang your tools, and if you are not going to store it when you aren't using it, make sure that is weather-proof and animal-proof. If you get a stand with wheels, it can serve double duty as a place to store your tools and a serving cart. You can even equip it with wet wipes to keep the stand tidy. You might want to keep the supplies on a lower shelf of the stand and keep the upper area for food and food preparation.
If you are planning in advance, you also might want to consider what kind of grill works the best for your needs. Will you be grilling often? Will you be serving many people when you do so? Considering these questions can give you an idea about the grill that will work best for you. A grill that complements your location and your needs is an important component to getting your outdoor barbequeing organized!
A clean grill will make you feel proud to invite your friends over, as well as giving you a better quality of food, so make sure that you keep cleaning supplies on hand. Whether you want just keep some towels near the area to wipe up spills or you have cleansers that will keep your grill spotless, you can keep them close to hand by making a space for them. Find a weatherproof bag and store them right next to your grill if you want to. Having those supplies close to hand will make you grateful when disaster strikes!
By keeping these tips in mind, you can prepare for summer grilling that is as efficient as it is tasty!
One of the first things to keep in mind is that through organizing your barbeque area, the person in charge of the grill will be a great deal more comfortable. For instance, consider the location. In the middle of the July heat, you aren't going to want to be standing over a hot grill in direct sunlight. Rather than crowding your barbeque equipment into the best shade available, why not make your own? Umbrella sunshades can be mounted directly next to your grill, providing you with shade as well as adding a jaunty note to your back yard.
One way to organize your barbeque area is to make sure that everything has its proper place. This can be a little difficult, as the trays that attach to the grill itself can be quite small. The way around this, of course, is to provide your own! There are lots of great options out there in terms of stands that you can place by the grill. If you don't want to move the stand, you can modify it to your heart's content. Look for one with lots of hooks where you can hang your tools, and if you are not going to store it when you aren't using it, make sure that is weather-proof and animal-proof. If you get a stand with wheels, it can serve double duty as a place to store your tools and a serving cart. You can even equip it with wet wipes to keep the stand tidy. You might want to keep the supplies on a lower shelf of the stand and keep the upper area for food and food preparation.
If you are planning in advance, you also might want to consider what kind of grill works the best for your needs. Will you be grilling often? Will you be serving many people when you do so? Considering these questions can give you an idea about the grill that will work best for you. A grill that complements your location and your needs is an important component to getting your outdoor barbequeing organized!
A clean grill will make you feel proud to invite your friends over, as well as giving you a better quality of food, so make sure that you keep cleaning supplies on hand. Whether you want just keep some towels near the area to wipe up spills or you have cleansers that will keep your grill spotless, you can keep them close to hand by making a space for them. Find a weatherproof bag and store them right next to your grill if you want to. Having those supplies close to hand will make you grateful when disaster strikes!
By keeping these tips in mind, you can prepare for summer grilling that is as efficient as it is tasty!
5 Reasons To Get An Inflatable Pool In Your Backyard
As the weather changes and flowers begin to bloom,
it is time to blow up your inflatable pool and
have some fun. More and more families are
turning to inflatable swimming pools because of
the convenience and cost efficiency over a
concrete pool. And with the wide variety of
sizes and shapes, there is plenty of fun in the
sun to be had. Here are 5 reasons why you will
want an inflatable pool in your backyard.
1. Cheap
If you are looking to provide your kids with a
fun activity in the backyard without spending an
arm and a leg, inflatable pools are the way to go.
Concrete pools can cost you thousands of
dollars to renovate in the backyard, but
inflatable swimming pools can run anywhere
between $15 to a few hundred dollars. The price
difference all depends on the size you want to
purchase.
2. Options
Inflatable pools come in all different sizes,
shapes and colors allowing you to purchase a pool
that works best in your backyard. Because of the
wide variety of pools on the market, you can plan
accordingly and purchase a pool that will fit
wherever you want to put it.
3. Lightweight
Perhaps the biggest benefit to having an
inflatable pool over a concrete pool is that it
is lightweight and can be moved whenever you want.
If you are planning a barbeque for the weekend,
you can move the pool wherever you want it to go.
This gives you flexibility and allows you to use
your backyard for other things as oppose to
having a pool take over your entire backyard.
4. Deflate
Going along with the statement above, inflatable
swimming pools can obviously be deflated and
stored away. This way if you are having a
barbeque with many guests, you can take down the
pool and clear up more space in the backyard.
This also comes in handy when the weather changes
and it begins to get colder outside.
5. Not permanent
When you get a concrete pool, there are many
costly excavations that make it permanent to the
house. If you change your mind a few months down
the road, there is not much you can do about it.
With an inflatable pool, you have the ability to
deflate it and store it away or pull it out when
the sun is shining on the backyard. It is far
from being permanent making it an easier decision
of whether or not to purchase one.
Inflatable swimming pools can be fun for the
entire family, although they are extremely
popular among kids. With the many options
available, you can find pool sizes for kids and
adults. And because of this, inflatable pools
have become one of the top summer selling items
on the market.
it is time to blow up your inflatable pool and
have some fun. More and more families are
turning to inflatable swimming pools because of
the convenience and cost efficiency over a
concrete pool. And with the wide variety of
sizes and shapes, there is plenty of fun in the
sun to be had. Here are 5 reasons why you will
want an inflatable pool in your backyard.
1. Cheap
If you are looking to provide your kids with a
fun activity in the backyard without spending an
arm and a leg, inflatable pools are the way to go.
Concrete pools can cost you thousands of
dollars to renovate in the backyard, but
inflatable swimming pools can run anywhere
between $15 to a few hundred dollars. The price
difference all depends on the size you want to
purchase.
2. Options
Inflatable pools come in all different sizes,
shapes and colors allowing you to purchase a pool
that works best in your backyard. Because of the
wide variety of pools on the market, you can plan
accordingly and purchase a pool that will fit
wherever you want to put it.
3. Lightweight
Perhaps the biggest benefit to having an
inflatable pool over a concrete pool is that it
is lightweight and can be moved whenever you want.
If you are planning a barbeque for the weekend,
you can move the pool wherever you want it to go.
This gives you flexibility and allows you to use
your backyard for other things as oppose to
having a pool take over your entire backyard.
4. Deflate
Going along with the statement above, inflatable
swimming pools can obviously be deflated and
stored away. This way if you are having a
barbeque with many guests, you can take down the
pool and clear up more space in the backyard.
This also comes in handy when the weather changes
and it begins to get colder outside.
5. Not permanent
When you get a concrete pool, there are many
costly excavations that make it permanent to the
house. If you change your mind a few months down
the road, there is not much you can do about it.
With an inflatable pool, you have the ability to
deflate it and store it away or pull it out when
the sun is shining on the backyard. It is far
from being permanent making it an easier decision
of whether or not to purchase one.
Inflatable swimming pools can be fun for the
entire family, although they are extremely
popular among kids. With the many options
available, you can find pool sizes for kids and
adults. And because of this, inflatable pools
have become one of the top summer selling items
on the market.
Simple Steps to Organizing Your Outdoor Area for Fun Entertaining
When the days start getting longer and the idea of staying inside is making you stir crazy, why not get everyone outside for a party? If you have any outdoor space at all, you can modify it into a terrific setting for a fun evening. With a little bit of thought and planning, you and your friends can have a great time!
If you are planning to organize your outdoor party, the first thing to think about is your guests comfort. Will there a problem with bugs? Is your area affected by any sort of noise pollution that could stifle the fun? Are you going to be able to play music? These things can help you both decide the direction of your party and help shape what kind of party you want. If the only thing that you can think of that will be a bother are the mosquitoes, consider blanketing your yard with citronella candles. These candles are inexpensively found at any camping goods store and you can create a wonderful atmosphere by finding the right containers. If your gathering is small enough, or you simply want a good outdoor are where you can regularly entertain a small number of guests, you might want to invest in a mesh enclosure for your patio area. Made of mosquito netting, this material can cover up a small area and keep it bug-free, providing a quiet night free of bug bites and other such annoyances.
Make sure that your guests will have places to sit. While you can always reuse kitchen chairs, your guests will be much more comfortable in furniture designed for the outdoors. If you will be entertaining a lot, why not think about getting a good patio set or picnic table? Your picnic table doesn't need to be a splintery relic of the seventies, you can get a good fiberglass or finished wood table to that will complement your décor and make your guests comfortable.
A lot of organization regarding your outdoor get-together will involve food. This is an important consideration, especially if you and your friends are all providing a dish. The number one priority is to make sure that there is enough space and that the food will be kept in a good condition. To that end, a table covered with a paper tablecloth will be a good place for guests to set food. If the table is in a good traffic area, you can make sure that guests enjoy everything that is offered as well. If you keep the food outside, you are going to need to be concerned about contamination. Keeping bugs off that tasty potato salad can be difficult, but it's certainly not impossible! Considering getting some lightweight food covers. These are usually made out of plastic or cloth mesh and they are simply set over the dishes themselves. Keeping everything in covered containers can be exasperating and having a food cover that you can simply lift off and then replace will keep your food away from any creepy crawlies that show up uninvited.
No matter what you're planning on this summer, plan it with style and throw a get-together they'll still be talking about when the weather forces you back inside!
If you are planning to organize your outdoor party, the first thing to think about is your guests comfort. Will there a problem with bugs? Is your area affected by any sort of noise pollution that could stifle the fun? Are you going to be able to play music? These things can help you both decide the direction of your party and help shape what kind of party you want. If the only thing that you can think of that will be a bother are the mosquitoes, consider blanketing your yard with citronella candles. These candles are inexpensively found at any camping goods store and you can create a wonderful atmosphere by finding the right containers. If your gathering is small enough, or you simply want a good outdoor are where you can regularly entertain a small number of guests, you might want to invest in a mesh enclosure for your patio area. Made of mosquito netting, this material can cover up a small area and keep it bug-free, providing a quiet night free of bug bites and other such annoyances.
Make sure that your guests will have places to sit. While you can always reuse kitchen chairs, your guests will be much more comfortable in furniture designed for the outdoors. If you will be entertaining a lot, why not think about getting a good patio set or picnic table? Your picnic table doesn't need to be a splintery relic of the seventies, you can get a good fiberglass or finished wood table to that will complement your décor and make your guests comfortable.
A lot of organization regarding your outdoor get-together will involve food. This is an important consideration, especially if you and your friends are all providing a dish. The number one priority is to make sure that there is enough space and that the food will be kept in a good condition. To that end, a table covered with a paper tablecloth will be a good place for guests to set food. If the table is in a good traffic area, you can make sure that guests enjoy everything that is offered as well. If you keep the food outside, you are going to need to be concerned about contamination. Keeping bugs off that tasty potato salad can be difficult, but it's certainly not impossible! Considering getting some lightweight food covers. These are usually made out of plastic or cloth mesh and they are simply set over the dishes themselves. Keeping everything in covered containers can be exasperating and having a food cover that you can simply lift off and then replace will keep your food away from any creepy crawlies that show up uninvited.
No matter what you're planning on this summer, plan it with style and throw a get-together they'll still be talking about when the weather forces you back inside!
Paint in Spain – Types of paint
I imagine that many people including myself only think about the planned or suggested colour for any decorating project when it is getting near the time that they actually wish to purchase paint. However it is just as important to decide which type of paint should be used and for which surface etc and the final finish that is required needs to be carefully considered.
I will attempt to set out some of the various options that are available and usually work well in most average settings.
Various Types of Paint:
The terms used in paint Latex and oil base are often used rather loosely. When a painter specifies a gallon of a certain brand of latex, he may in reality often be getting non-latex or an artificial-latex water based paint. The explanation here is that there are continuously new products being developed using synthetic materials that perform more or less identical to latex. Naturally many of these paints still carry "latex" on their label. Where a paint or stain product is referred to "acrylic" or "water based", it usually has the same properties similar as that of latex paint, even if it does not include the term latex pain on the can. Similarly when you ask for an oil-based paint you may get the similar alkyd. In this article I have used the term "latex" to also include other similar water-based paints, and the term "oil-base" to include alkyd.
Effects of varying degrees of Gloss High gloss, semi gloss, eggshell, satin, low sheen and flat, these are all very general terms, and it can often be noticed that as one moves from one brand of paint to another or perhaps from one type of paint to another the gloss factor will change. A very good example of this is that with many paint companies you will find that their interior oil based semi gloss appears to be quite a lot glossier than their interior latex semi gloss. In addition a satin oil finish from one company may look to have the same shine factor as perhaps semi gloss oil from another paint manufacturer. Obviously it is important to choose the correct gloss and in many ways this is just as important as selecting the right choice of colour.
A shining surface sends out a much different effect than a non-shinny surface and so the degree of gloss will most certainly influence the final outcome of the entire project.
I will attempt to set out some of the various options that are available and usually work well in most average settings.
Various Types of Paint:
The terms used in paint Latex and oil base are often used rather loosely. When a painter specifies a gallon of a certain brand of latex, he may in reality often be getting non-latex or an artificial-latex water based paint. The explanation here is that there are continuously new products being developed using synthetic materials that perform more or less identical to latex. Naturally many of these paints still carry "latex" on their label. Where a paint or stain product is referred to "acrylic" or "water based", it usually has the same properties similar as that of latex paint, even if it does not include the term latex pain on the can. Similarly when you ask for an oil-based paint you may get the similar alkyd. In this article I have used the term "latex" to also include other similar water-based paints, and the term "oil-base" to include alkyd.
Effects of varying degrees of Gloss High gloss, semi gloss, eggshell, satin, low sheen and flat, these are all very general terms, and it can often be noticed that as one moves from one brand of paint to another or perhaps from one type of paint to another the gloss factor will change. A very good example of this is that with many paint companies you will find that their interior oil based semi gloss appears to be quite a lot glossier than their interior latex semi gloss. In addition a satin oil finish from one company may look to have the same shine factor as perhaps semi gloss oil from another paint manufacturer. Obviously it is important to choose the correct gloss and in many ways this is just as important as selecting the right choice of colour.
A shining surface sends out a much different effect than a non-shinny surface and so the degree of gloss will most certainly influence the final outcome of the entire project.
Top 5 Toys For Your Preschooler
Preschoolers have an extensive range of toys available to choose from that include named toys such as Fifi or Bob the Builder to books and jigsaws. They are of an age where they enjoy playing independently and want to do things by themselves. It is important to allow children of this age to play by themselves but offer help when they become frustrated. This age is also a very important time for children to learn so ensure that you buy educational toys that will help your child new learn new skills as well as have fun.
Building blocks are a very popular toy for children of this age range. Both boys and girls alike love creating buildings and other objects. Building blocks are great for helping hand and eye co-ordination as well as developing artistic skills. Blocks such as Mega Blocks and Lego are ideal for this age group and come in bright colours. These are extremely durable and will last many years.
Play stores are great for encouraging pretend play. Children love pretending to be grownups and copying everyday actions such as going to the supermarket and paying at a cash register. As well buying pretend supermarkets and cash registers, you can also buy play kitchens ands cleaning trolleys or washing machines. Both little girls and boys enjoy this type of play and it is very good for their creative imagination.
Art based utensils are an essential buy for any preschooler in order to encourage their creative side. Children in this age range love playing with play dough, crayons and pencils. Paining and art encourages hand and eye co-ordination and youngsters of this age just love getting messy! This also helps them learn to hold a pen properly and how to cut using scissors.
Water based toys are a fun toy for young children to play with. These can be used in the bath or in the garden. Children will quite happily play with water for hours on end. They love scooping and pouring water from one toy to another. Some toys offer a squirting action so that they can squirt one another.
Jigsaws encourage hand and eye co-ordination. These come as wooden or in big pieces for this age range. Many of the puzzles have lift out pieces with pictures underneath to help children of this age obtain object recognition skills, manual dexterity and shape matching skills.
Building blocks are a very popular toy for children of this age range. Both boys and girls alike love creating buildings and other objects. Building blocks are great for helping hand and eye co-ordination as well as developing artistic skills. Blocks such as Mega Blocks and Lego are ideal for this age group and come in bright colours. These are extremely durable and will last many years.
Play stores are great for encouraging pretend play. Children love pretending to be grownups and copying everyday actions such as going to the supermarket and paying at a cash register. As well buying pretend supermarkets and cash registers, you can also buy play kitchens ands cleaning trolleys or washing machines. Both little girls and boys enjoy this type of play and it is very good for their creative imagination.
Art based utensils are an essential buy for any preschooler in order to encourage their creative side. Children in this age range love playing with play dough, crayons and pencils. Paining and art encourages hand and eye co-ordination and youngsters of this age just love getting messy! This also helps them learn to hold a pen properly and how to cut using scissors.
Water based toys are a fun toy for young children to play with. These can be used in the bath or in the garden. Children will quite happily play with water for hours on end. They love scooping and pouring water from one toy to another. Some toys offer a squirting action so that they can squirt one another.
Jigsaws encourage hand and eye co-ordination. These come as wooden or in big pieces for this age range. Many of the puzzles have lift out pieces with pictures underneath to help children of this age obtain object recognition skills, manual dexterity and shape matching skills.
The Beauty Of Traditional Children's Toys
Have you ever seen a child in a room full of the latest toys and found the child to be playing with old fashioned children’s wooden toys that were a big hit when you were young? What is it about this sight that is so comforting? Is it because the child’s wooden toy makes us feel nostalgic or is there something else at play here? In our world of plastic throw-away goods it is comforting to see lasting goods lasting. It is especially comforting to see goods which are felt to be worthy enough to be passed on from generation to generation. The latest gadget on the latest toy has not made traditional children’s wooden toys any less desirable to children, or even to adults for that matter.
Children’s wooden toys are toys which are made using a natural product as opposed to a product like plastic which is a product that we are trying to recycle but nevertheless remains a product which costs less to produce new than to recycle. If a child’s wooden toy is made from a sustainable forest that’s even better as it is actually helping out our troubled environment. This is only one of the reasons we feel better towards wood than towards plastic. There are also many emotional reasons why wooden toys feel better.
Why Wooden Toys Feel Good
Children’s wooden toys are one of the products which have lasted centuries. The latest plastic toy has not made wooden toys become obsolete. In fact, in our world of fast technological change it is the simple design of children’s wooden toys which continues to capture the interest of children from infants and toddlers all the way to the early teen years.
Summary
Children’s wooden toys have always been popular. The first children’s toys were probably made of wood. Old fashioned children’s wooden toys are being played with today as much as the latest toy trends. Children’s wooden toys will always be popular. Children’s wooden toys are creative, pleasant to the touch, long lasting and can be painted in wonderful colors.
Children’s wooden toys are toys which are made using a natural product as opposed to a product like plastic which is a product that we are trying to recycle but nevertheless remains a product which costs less to produce new than to recycle. If a child’s wooden toy is made from a sustainable forest that’s even better as it is actually helping out our troubled environment. This is only one of the reasons we feel better towards wood than towards plastic. There are also many emotional reasons why wooden toys feel better.
Why Wooden Toys Feel Good
Children’s wooden toys are one of the products which have lasted centuries. The latest plastic toy has not made wooden toys become obsolete. In fact, in our world of fast technological change it is the simple design of children’s wooden toys which continues to capture the interest of children from infants and toddlers all the way to the early teen years.
Summary
Children’s wooden toys have always been popular. The first children’s toys were probably made of wood. Old fashioned children’s wooden toys are being played with today as much as the latest toy trends. Children’s wooden toys will always be popular. Children’s wooden toys are creative, pleasant to the touch, long lasting and can be painted in wonderful colors.
Plan The Birthday Party For A Fun Time
Birthday parties are perhaps the favorite and most frequent gathering. Planning a birthday party can be a difficult and time consuming task, but it is all worth it if the party is a success. Birthday parties are important occasions and should always be made special with the best of supplies available in the market. Birthday parties are designed to have a good time, they are festive and fun, and there’s lots of good food and great party favors. The history of children’s Birthday Parties can be traced to Germany where they are called Kinderfeste.
When planning a child’s birthday party the birthday does not need to be stressful or boring. Add some personal touches to your party and your guests will rave about it. Hosting a party can bring about a great deal of stress.
The key to a successful party theme is to always think outside of the box. Creativity and proper planning can give your little fairy the birthday they always have dreamed of.
Depending where you throw the party you need to be conscious of the noise level. When having a party it is always better to let your quests know ahead of time about what the dress code is. Depending on the type of party, you should let the adults know if this party is for children or adults, when letting them know do it with tactful manner. A great way to celebrate a birthday party is say it in different languages, this is always a creative surprise. Kids can learn those languages a little and feel fascinated in exploring more, consequently stirring their learning faculty in an indirect way. Kids will surely love them and will become even more excited about your party.
Many people are starting to throw dessert parties, these are parties are fun and are not as expensive, add some music, low lighting and great tasty deserts and you have a great time.
Those of you with babies will know that the 1st birthday parties are primarily more for the relatives than they are for the honored guest. Birthday parties are a ritual in which all family members can participate. Birthday parties are designed to have a good time, they are festive and fun, and there’s lots of good food and great party favors.
The appetizing Birthday cake is always there to linger a smile on those cute faces. The cake is usually the center piece for the birthday, everyone waits to see what type of cake and the type of decoration on the cake. When planning a child's birthday party you need to make a list so you can stay organized. Many people normally do not place cake order in time and you need to give the bakery time to prepare the cake for your party.
The possibilities are endless, and a good theme can really help pull the entire party together. Once the theme is chosen, planning the party becomes much easier. Personalized party favors are generally the highlight for children at a birthday party, and they love getting little gifts to take home. There are so many ideas for children's birthdays today, you can find many ideas on the internet. You can put together a special cake that fits perfectly with your party theme. When children are having birthdays they want them to be spectacular, so many parents tend to throw the parties out at a party center to give their children that extra something.
When planning a child’s birthday party the birthday does not need to be stressful or boring. Add some personal touches to your party and your guests will rave about it. Hosting a party can bring about a great deal of stress.
The key to a successful party theme is to always think outside of the box. Creativity and proper planning can give your little fairy the birthday they always have dreamed of.
Depending where you throw the party you need to be conscious of the noise level. When having a party it is always better to let your quests know ahead of time about what the dress code is. Depending on the type of party, you should let the adults know if this party is for children or adults, when letting them know do it with tactful manner. A great way to celebrate a birthday party is say it in different languages, this is always a creative surprise. Kids can learn those languages a little and feel fascinated in exploring more, consequently stirring their learning faculty in an indirect way. Kids will surely love them and will become even more excited about your party.
Many people are starting to throw dessert parties, these are parties are fun and are not as expensive, add some music, low lighting and great tasty deserts and you have a great time.
Those of you with babies will know that the 1st birthday parties are primarily more for the relatives than they are for the honored guest. Birthday parties are a ritual in which all family members can participate. Birthday parties are designed to have a good time, they are festive and fun, and there’s lots of good food and great party favors.
The appetizing Birthday cake is always there to linger a smile on those cute faces. The cake is usually the center piece for the birthday, everyone waits to see what type of cake and the type of decoration on the cake. When planning a child's birthday party you need to make a list so you can stay organized. Many people normally do not place cake order in time and you need to give the bakery time to prepare the cake for your party.
The possibilities are endless, and a good theme can really help pull the entire party together. Once the theme is chosen, planning the party becomes much easier. Personalized party favors are generally the highlight for children at a birthday party, and they love getting little gifts to take home. There are so many ideas for children's birthdays today, you can find many ideas on the internet. You can put together a special cake that fits perfectly with your party theme. When children are having birthdays they want them to be spectacular, so many parents tend to throw the parties out at a party center to give their children that extra something.
DIY Know How - Tiling A Kitchen Floor
Floor tiles look great and provide a hardwearing, waterproof surface that's hygeinic and easy to clean. Floor tiles are recommended for bathrooms, hallways and kitchens. But you don't need a professional for this job, simply follow this step by step guide.
Set aside a weekend for a small kitchen or bathroom, and aim to budget for spending around two hundred pounds.
Check list:
Pencil & tape measure
Tile cutter
Notched trowel or spreader
Tile saw
Floor tiles
Adhesive or grout
Chalk line
Floor sealer
Spacers
Profile shaper
Spirit level
Piece of hose pipe
Goggles
Squeegee & Cloth Bucket & sponge
Choosing/buying Tiles You should look to buy around 10% more that you expect to use. To help work this out check out the UKTV website for a helpful tiling calculator. Also, to avoid any manufacturing discrepancies between colour or grain you should ideally buy all your tiles in one batch.
Preparation Ensure the surface which you are going to tile is dry, smooth and above all level.
1: Plan tile positions It is very important that you firstly set out the position of the tiles before commencing with laying the tiles. Find the center point of the longest wall in the room and make a chalk mark at right angles to the wall. Repeat the process for the short wall. You should now have a cross marked on the floor with the two lines meeting in the middle.
2: Positioning the tiles Begin laying the floor tiles along the two lines in order to work out the best positions which will allow you to calculate how to use as many tiles as possible without the need for cutting them. It's also preferable to avoid having too many cut tiles along the wall that is seen when you first walk into the room. A good tip is to try to make sure tiles are laid symmetrically around any main features such as fireplaces.
3: Applying adhesive and laying the tiles Start by spreading one square metre of the adhesive into one of the corners formed by the chalk lines mentioned above. Gently press down on the first tile, using the lines as a guide and carry on tiling along one of the lines. Add more tiles until you have covered the adhesive. Now work outwards from the centre of the room, always using the chalk lines as a guide. Apply more adhesive to the floor and continue laying tiles until you have covered half the room with as many whole tiles as possible. Now lay tiles on the other half of the room in the same way, working from the centre line outwards. Then leave the adhesive to dry according to instructions given.
Some good tips: - Use a notched trowel or spreader which facilitates the even spread adhesive across the floor. - Check your tile instructions to see if yours need spacing joints. If they aren't required you may still want to use plastic spacer to ensure the gaps are completely even. - Use a spirit level, and lie it diagonally across the tiles to check everything is level. If any are uneven you can put more adhesive under the necessary tile(s) to bring it level.
4: Gap Filling. Use cut tiles to fill in any gaps in your floor. Using a tile cutter, trim the tiles to the required size but before you cut, make sure you allow for the gap required for grout between the tiles.
5: Sealing (where necessary) Depending on whether your tiles have already been protected with a sealer coat, determined in the manufacturer's instructions, you may need to seal the tiles yourself, particularly in the case of porous tiles.
6: Grouting Using the squeegee, force the grout in between the tiles, pushing the squeegee across the gaps in both directions to make sure the grout is worked into all the gaps. After that, use the straight edge of the spreader to ensure a neat grout line. Before the grout dries, wipe off all excess with a damp sponge and lastly polish the tiles with a clean cloth.
Set aside a weekend for a small kitchen or bathroom, and aim to budget for spending around two hundred pounds.
Check list:
Pencil & tape measure
Tile cutter
Notched trowel or spreader
Tile saw
Floor tiles
Adhesive or grout
Chalk line
Floor sealer
Spacers
Profile shaper
Spirit level
Piece of hose pipe
Goggles
Squeegee & Cloth Bucket & sponge
Choosing/buying Tiles You should look to buy around 10% more that you expect to use. To help work this out check out the UKTV website for a helpful tiling calculator. Also, to avoid any manufacturing discrepancies between colour or grain you should ideally buy all your tiles in one batch.
Preparation Ensure the surface which you are going to tile is dry, smooth and above all level.
1: Plan tile positions It is very important that you firstly set out the position of the tiles before commencing with laying the tiles. Find the center point of the longest wall in the room and make a chalk mark at right angles to the wall. Repeat the process for the short wall. You should now have a cross marked on the floor with the two lines meeting in the middle.
2: Positioning the tiles Begin laying the floor tiles along the two lines in order to work out the best positions which will allow you to calculate how to use as many tiles as possible without the need for cutting them. It's also preferable to avoid having too many cut tiles along the wall that is seen when you first walk into the room. A good tip is to try to make sure tiles are laid symmetrically around any main features such as fireplaces.
3: Applying adhesive and laying the tiles Start by spreading one square metre of the adhesive into one of the corners formed by the chalk lines mentioned above. Gently press down on the first tile, using the lines as a guide and carry on tiling along one of the lines. Add more tiles until you have covered the adhesive. Now work outwards from the centre of the room, always using the chalk lines as a guide. Apply more adhesive to the floor and continue laying tiles until you have covered half the room with as many whole tiles as possible. Now lay tiles on the other half of the room in the same way, working from the centre line outwards. Then leave the adhesive to dry according to instructions given.
Some good tips: - Use a notched trowel or spreader which facilitates the even spread adhesive across the floor. - Check your tile instructions to see if yours need spacing joints. If they aren't required you may still want to use plastic spacer to ensure the gaps are completely even. - Use a spirit level, and lie it diagonally across the tiles to check everything is level. If any are uneven you can put more adhesive under the necessary tile(s) to bring it level.
4: Gap Filling. Use cut tiles to fill in any gaps in your floor. Using a tile cutter, trim the tiles to the required size but before you cut, make sure you allow for the gap required for grout between the tiles.
5: Sealing (where necessary) Depending on whether your tiles have already been protected with a sealer coat, determined in the manufacturer's instructions, you may need to seal the tiles yourself, particularly in the case of porous tiles.
6: Grouting Using the squeegee, force the grout in between the tiles, pushing the squeegee across the gaps in both directions to make sure the grout is worked into all the gaps. After that, use the straight edge of the spreader to ensure a neat grout line. Before the grout dries, wipe off all excess with a damp sponge and lastly polish the tiles with a clean cloth.
Swivel Bar Stools Move to the Kitchen
The time was when you could only find swivel bar stools in the local pub or a corner watering hole. As the kitchen became more important in the modern home, more dining and gathering was done in or near the kitchen. While the formal dining room is still an important part of most homes, the kitchen is being used more and more as a casual dining area and gathering place for family and guests. Conventional dining furniture and seating are great for the formal dining room. However, it is just not appropriate for the more casual needs of today’s 36", 42" and even 48" tall counters and extra tall bars.
Bar stools are available in several heights today to accommodate any height bar and counter top. They are now available in a variety of materials and in many different finishes. Wrought iron, wood and metal stools are available for the kitchen, bar or billiards gaming areas. Many local dealers will now have a selection of these once hard to find items. You can even purchase casual swivel seating at the local home improvement store as well the vast number of online resources available through the internet. Shipping can be a factor when ordering online. However, with today’s multiple shipping options available with small parcel carriers, the cost of shipping is more than offset by substantial savings of buying your stools online.
Bar stool heights vary depending on the height of the table, bar or counter top where they will be used. A good estimating method of determining what height seat you need on your bar stools is as follows. Generally speaking, the seat height should be from 11-12 less than the table or bar surface height. For example: A 42 inch tall bar needs stools that are about 30 inches to the top of the seat. Counter tops are 36 inches tall generally and require a stool that is 24 inches in seat height. This is generally referred to as a “counter stool.” Dining tables are 30" inches tall and standard chairs are generally 18 inches in seat height.
Many homes today are being built with very tall bars and counters at a height of approximately 48 inches. While these were rare in the past, they are becoming more common place. This is a good standing height for a bar and the seating required here must be extra tall at a seat height of 34 - 36 inches. These extra tall bar stools are not normally sold through all outlets so you may have to search to find what you are looking for. Again the online retailers are a huge resource here and you can normally find these speciality items with a little searching.
Bar stools come with a swivel are a very handy feature and really make for very comfortable and functional casual seating. The swivel makes it very easy to get in and out of the stool while at a bar or counter without even moving the stool. The ultimate feature on a swivel stool is one that has a memory return swivel. This mechanism allows the user to swivel freely entering or exiting but a special spring loaded mechanism “returns” the bar stool to the center position which really create a very neat look on stools that have backs. This ensures that all of the stools are facing in the same direction.
Fabrics and finish choices on bar stools vary dramatically from no option to many options. Just take your time and try to fit the look of the bar stool to match the decor of the room. When in doubt, black is a good choice with wrought iron and natural is a good choice for wood. Try not to get too busy with fabric choices unless you have a specific theme you are working with in the room like billiards or fruit etc. Also, since bar stools are generally used in areas where drinks are served you may want to consider a waterproof fabric for the seat. Some of the modern vinyl fabrics from the mills are so close to leather that the only danger to cows is in the local steakhouse.
No matter what style you choose, the right bar stools can fill a casual seating niche that no other seating product can. Get creative if you like and make a real statement or go for a basic and subdued look. Any way you choose to go, bar stools are no longer for just the local pub and solve the problem of “Standing Room Only” in the Kitchen.
Bar stools are available in several heights today to accommodate any height bar and counter top. They are now available in a variety of materials and in many different finishes. Wrought iron, wood and metal stools are available for the kitchen, bar or billiards gaming areas. Many local dealers will now have a selection of these once hard to find items. You can even purchase casual swivel seating at the local home improvement store as well the vast number of online resources available through the internet. Shipping can be a factor when ordering online. However, with today’s multiple shipping options available with small parcel carriers, the cost of shipping is more than offset by substantial savings of buying your stools online.
Bar stool heights vary depending on the height of the table, bar or counter top where they will be used. A good estimating method of determining what height seat you need on your bar stools is as follows. Generally speaking, the seat height should be from 11-12 less than the table or bar surface height. For example: A 42 inch tall bar needs stools that are about 30 inches to the top of the seat. Counter tops are 36 inches tall generally and require a stool that is 24 inches in seat height. This is generally referred to as a “counter stool.” Dining tables are 30" inches tall and standard chairs are generally 18 inches in seat height.
Many homes today are being built with very tall bars and counters at a height of approximately 48 inches. While these were rare in the past, they are becoming more common place. This is a good standing height for a bar and the seating required here must be extra tall at a seat height of 34 - 36 inches. These extra tall bar stools are not normally sold through all outlets so you may have to search to find what you are looking for. Again the online retailers are a huge resource here and you can normally find these speciality items with a little searching.
Bar stools come with a swivel are a very handy feature and really make for very comfortable and functional casual seating. The swivel makes it very easy to get in and out of the stool while at a bar or counter without even moving the stool. The ultimate feature on a swivel stool is one that has a memory return swivel. This mechanism allows the user to swivel freely entering or exiting but a special spring loaded mechanism “returns” the bar stool to the center position which really create a very neat look on stools that have backs. This ensures that all of the stools are facing in the same direction.
Fabrics and finish choices on bar stools vary dramatically from no option to many options. Just take your time and try to fit the look of the bar stool to match the decor of the room. When in doubt, black is a good choice with wrought iron and natural is a good choice for wood. Try not to get too busy with fabric choices unless you have a specific theme you are working with in the room like billiards or fruit etc. Also, since bar stools are generally used in areas where drinks are served you may want to consider a waterproof fabric for the seat. Some of the modern vinyl fabrics from the mills are so close to leather that the only danger to cows is in the local steakhouse.
No matter what style you choose, the right bar stools can fill a casual seating niche that no other seating product can. Get creative if you like and make a real statement or go for a basic and subdued look. Any way you choose to go, bar stools are no longer for just the local pub and solve the problem of “Standing Room Only” in the Kitchen.
A Dangerous New Drug Called "Cheese" Is Not A Cold Remedy
Perhaps you have heard the whispered term “Cheese” by your teenagers or their friends. You may have innocently thought that this was in simple reference to a simple trip to a local McDonald’s restaurant – hamburgers and cheeseburgers alike. “Cheese “is now the slang term for a dangerous new drug sweeping across teenagers in the United States. Even if your kids had discussed it with you might he left with the impression that this drug is no worse than simple Tylenol over the counter cold medication.
This narcotic drug “Cheese “is a most dangerous combination of common over the counter cold medication as Tylenol PM and actual heroin. Tylenol PM is a cold medication which contains Tylenol (active drug is the chemical acetaminophen) and the antihistamine Benadryl or Unisom (the active agent being a chemical called diphenlhadramine), this drug “Cheese “may be a most dangerous and addictive drug.
This street narcotic “Cheese” is a most dangerous, potent and addictive combination of heroin and these cold medications. Cheese has been found to contain between 2 % and as high as * percent heroin. . The “Cheese “user may become quickly addicted to the “rush” or the “high” of this heroin street combination. This “Cheese” powder need only be easily be “snorted “. No telltale needles or the paraphernalia of drug addicts need be used notice or left behind in a stupor.
Amazingly this street form of heroin is amazingly an inexpensive starter drug – well at least to start. A “hit” which is only a small amount of 1/ 10 of gram (1/250 of an ounce) is enough for that hit. And it costs only less than the price of a hamburger - only $ 2. Even more a quarter gram (two and ½ times as much for that larger high) is still only $ 5 total.
People who stop taking this “Cheese” can quickly become addicted to the heroin and suffer actual withdrawal symptoms only 6 hours to a day after stopping the drug. .
Your kids may tell you that “Cheese:” is little more than the standard over the counter cold remedies or sleep aids readily available without a doctors’ prescription. True. Those medications are well proven and safe. But not this “Cheese”. This is like mixing gasoline and dynamite.
Deaths have been reported to “Cheese”. Even then the amount of deaths is most likely grossly underreported. There are no tablets of bottle of liquor left lying around. There are no obvious instruments of addiction – like spoons full of heated residue or needles.
The amount of drug it may be so tiny that is never noted or noticed. Many users may be involved with other drugs as well. They may take “Cheese “alone for the high. Often same people who need to use narcotic drugs for their “high “ or escape frequently use other drugs and medications as well – including alcohol , beer , marijuana and even prescription drugs , obtained legally or even illicitly. This is more than a difficult and dangerous situation.
In the end the “Cheese” is sold and distributed even to children, at school, and to students at middle and high school campuses. Make no mistake. It is now accident that the police have named “Cheese:” as “starter heroin”.
This narcotic drug “Cheese “is a most dangerous combination of common over the counter cold medication as Tylenol PM and actual heroin. Tylenol PM is a cold medication which contains Tylenol (active drug is the chemical acetaminophen) and the antihistamine Benadryl or Unisom (the active agent being a chemical called diphenlhadramine), this drug “Cheese “may be a most dangerous and addictive drug.
This street narcotic “Cheese” is a most dangerous, potent and addictive combination of heroin and these cold medications. Cheese has been found to contain between 2 % and as high as * percent heroin. . The “Cheese “user may become quickly addicted to the “rush” or the “high” of this heroin street combination. This “Cheese” powder need only be easily be “snorted “. No telltale needles or the paraphernalia of drug addicts need be used notice or left behind in a stupor.
Amazingly this street form of heroin is amazingly an inexpensive starter drug – well at least to start. A “hit” which is only a small amount of 1/ 10 of gram (1/250 of an ounce) is enough for that hit. And it costs only less than the price of a hamburger - only $ 2. Even more a quarter gram (two and ½ times as much for that larger high) is still only $ 5 total.
People who stop taking this “Cheese” can quickly become addicted to the heroin and suffer actual withdrawal symptoms only 6 hours to a day after stopping the drug. .
Your kids may tell you that “Cheese:” is little more than the standard over the counter cold remedies or sleep aids readily available without a doctors’ prescription. True. Those medications are well proven and safe. But not this “Cheese”. This is like mixing gasoline and dynamite.
Deaths have been reported to “Cheese”. Even then the amount of deaths is most likely grossly underreported. There are no tablets of bottle of liquor left lying around. There are no obvious instruments of addiction – like spoons full of heated residue or needles.
The amount of drug it may be so tiny that is never noted or noticed. Many users may be involved with other drugs as well. They may take “Cheese “alone for the high. Often same people who need to use narcotic drugs for their “high “ or escape frequently use other drugs and medications as well – including alcohol , beer , marijuana and even prescription drugs , obtained legally or even illicitly. This is more than a difficult and dangerous situation.
In the end the “Cheese” is sold and distributed even to children, at school, and to students at middle and high school campuses. Make no mistake. It is now accident that the police have named “Cheese:” as “starter heroin”.
Remodeling? Don't Do It Just to Increase Your Home Value
Where did you see that absolutely perfect kitchen or bath, with the exquisite granite countertop and custom cabinets? In a magazine? A home show? Your friend's house?
And are you already imagining what your remodeled room would look like, feel like - the total picture? That's good!
But if you're about to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 on a home-improvement project, don't do it solely to increase the value of your home ahead of a potential sale. These days, remodeling means putting more into the house than you can get out of it financially.
Remodeling magazine recently produced its annual "Cost vs. Value" report for 2006, the result of a survey of over 2,000 members of the National Association of Realtors. According to them, "minor kitchen remodels" have the best value performance, at 85.2% of your investment.
That means if you spend $10,000 on a remodel, you'll only see your home value go up $8,520 when you sell it. And that difference doesn't even take into account the interest you could've earned on the $10,000 if you hadn't spent it.
This isn't meant to discourage you from pursuing a remodeling project. It's simply meant to help you take the remodeling leap for the right reasons. The difference between the room's current use and the need or desire for its future use should be the prime motivator behind any remodeling project.
Start with a solid understand of the room's use. For example, who's always in the kitchen or bathroom? When, and for how long? How much cooking are you really doing, and are you always hunting for supplies that should be right at hand? Are there bottlenecks outside the one bathroom door? Family members elbowing for space in front of the sink and mirror? Towels spilling out from insufficient storage?
Then bring your dreams into play. If you saw your ideal kitchen or bath in a magazine, grab the picture and keep it in a folder to bring to a design consultation. In fact, find as many great ones as you can! Even if they're all way out of your price range - and don't assume that they are - it'll provide inspiration for the design process.
And then determine your budget. Once you know exactly how much you want to spend, you can approach a design-build firm to get the remodel you want, with materials priced within your budget from the start.
These days, when you remodel, you're not only adding value of your home, you're adding to the quality of your life. And if you approach your investment with that in mind, you'll be even happier with the results.
And are you already imagining what your remodeled room would look like, feel like - the total picture? That's good!
But if you're about to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 on a home-improvement project, don't do it solely to increase the value of your home ahead of a potential sale. These days, remodeling means putting more into the house than you can get out of it financially.
Remodeling magazine recently produced its annual "Cost vs. Value" report for 2006, the result of a survey of over 2,000 members of the National Association of Realtors. According to them, "minor kitchen remodels" have the best value performance, at 85.2% of your investment.
That means if you spend $10,000 on a remodel, you'll only see your home value go up $8,520 when you sell it. And that difference doesn't even take into account the interest you could've earned on the $10,000 if you hadn't spent it.
This isn't meant to discourage you from pursuing a remodeling project. It's simply meant to help you take the remodeling leap for the right reasons. The difference between the room's current use and the need or desire for its future use should be the prime motivator behind any remodeling project.
Start with a solid understand of the room's use. For example, who's always in the kitchen or bathroom? When, and for how long? How much cooking are you really doing, and are you always hunting for supplies that should be right at hand? Are there bottlenecks outside the one bathroom door? Family members elbowing for space in front of the sink and mirror? Towels spilling out from insufficient storage?
Then bring your dreams into play. If you saw your ideal kitchen or bath in a magazine, grab the picture and keep it in a folder to bring to a design consultation. In fact, find as many great ones as you can! Even if they're all way out of your price range - and don't assume that they are - it'll provide inspiration for the design process.
And then determine your budget. Once you know exactly how much you want to spend, you can approach a design-build firm to get the remodel you want, with materials priced within your budget from the start.
These days, when you remodel, you're not only adding value of your home, you're adding to the quality of your life. And if you approach your investment with that in mind, you'll be even happier with the results.
Grandma Was Always Right
Grandma was always right when it came to home remedies. While these remedies are not a replacement for medical attention, you should always seek your doctor when you feel you have to and please take these home remedies with a grain of salt. Here you go and enjoy.
Acne and Blackheads
Rub the acne area with a fresh garlic clove.
Drink at the very least 8 8oz glasses of water a day. Even more in the summer.
Mix one part of cinnamon into 3 parts of honey.Use as a scrub.
Dab a modest amount of toothpaste (paste, not gel) on pimples before bed; this helps dry out the pimples.
Pour a little salt into a modest bowl, add a straggling drops of water and mix till it turns into a paste. I've heard using a little toothpaste (paste, not gel) to this mix gives it a little supplemental kick. Use this recipe to exfoliate. Do not leave on overnight. Wash your face and rinse off.
Baking Soda as an exfoliate
Vitamin E gel tabs. Use as a facial moisturizer.
Honey and oatmeal as a facial scrub and exfoliate.
Dark Circles Around Eyes
Cucumber slice. Cover eyes with cucumber slices for 15 minutes.
Potato slice. Cover eyes with Potato slices. For 15 minutes.
Lead a healthier life style. Get plenty of sleep, water and Juice Plus wouldn't hurt.
Make a paste out of 1 tsp. tomato juice, 1/2 tsp. pineapple juice and 1 tsp. of flour. Apply around eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Moisturize with extraneous virgin olive oil or vitamin E.
Try used Chamomile tea bags (cool bags) over eyes for 15 minutes.
Energizer
Try eating an apple or 2
Mix 1 tomato, 1 orange, 1 clove of garlic. For greatest results, use a juicer.
Aloe Vera Juice. One of natures greatest detoxifiers.
Gum In Hair
There a straggling of these. Here they are:
Try using baby oil
Try peanut butter
Non stick cooking spray
Ice
A mixture of baking soda with water. Rub it in hair, brush it out.
Mosquito Bites
A paste of baking soda and water.
Aspirin capsule. Works well with bee stings. But for bee stings,try to remove the stinger.
Use calamine lotion.
Hangover
There seems to be a lot of these also but I could tell you what I used to do for a hangover. I am not suggesting you try it but it worked for me.
Elementary off, you wake up with a sour stomach and massive headache.
Alcohol dehydrates, so its time to replenish your body with water. Try a glass of water with one tablespoon of sugar. Water to rehydrate, sugar for the sour feeling in your gut. Sometimes I will take something for the headache. Aspirin or Advil whatever you desiderate.
Next, ice-bag for my head. I used to stick my head under cold running water in the laundry sink.
When your stomach is settled down a bit, and depending on how your feeling, time for breakfast.
Bad Breath
Try some parsley. This food garnish is rich in chlorophyll, a green plant compound that kills the bacteria that basis bad breath.
Use the juice of half a lemon, one teaspoon of salt. Gargle.
Brush your teeth with a couple pinches of baking soda. When done, brush again with normal toothpaste (optional).
I'm sure this is the tip of the iceberg, but these are the ones I know of. These home remedies are in no way a replacement to a Doctors care so if you feel that you might need to see a Physician, please do so.
Acne and Blackheads
Rub the acne area with a fresh garlic clove.
Drink at the very least 8 8oz glasses of water a day. Even more in the summer.
Mix one part of cinnamon into 3 parts of honey.Use as a scrub.
Dab a modest amount of toothpaste (paste, not gel) on pimples before bed; this helps dry out the pimples.
Pour a little salt into a modest bowl, add a straggling drops of water and mix till it turns into a paste. I've heard using a little toothpaste (paste, not gel) to this mix gives it a little supplemental kick. Use this recipe to exfoliate. Do not leave on overnight. Wash your face and rinse off.
Baking Soda as an exfoliate
Vitamin E gel tabs. Use as a facial moisturizer.
Honey and oatmeal as a facial scrub and exfoliate.
Dark Circles Around Eyes
Cucumber slice. Cover eyes with cucumber slices for 15 minutes.
Potato slice. Cover eyes with Potato slices. For 15 minutes.
Lead a healthier life style. Get plenty of sleep, water and Juice Plus wouldn't hurt.
Make a paste out of 1 tsp. tomato juice, 1/2 tsp. pineapple juice and 1 tsp. of flour. Apply around eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Moisturize with extraneous virgin olive oil or vitamin E.
Try used Chamomile tea bags (cool bags) over eyes for 15 minutes.
Energizer
Try eating an apple or 2
Mix 1 tomato, 1 orange, 1 clove of garlic. For greatest results, use a juicer.
Aloe Vera Juice. One of natures greatest detoxifiers.
Gum In Hair
There a straggling of these. Here they are:
Try using baby oil
Try peanut butter
Non stick cooking spray
Ice
A mixture of baking soda with water. Rub it in hair, brush it out.
Mosquito Bites
A paste of baking soda and water.
Aspirin capsule. Works well with bee stings. But for bee stings,try to remove the stinger.
Use calamine lotion.
Hangover
There seems to be a lot of these also but I could tell you what I used to do for a hangover. I am not suggesting you try it but it worked for me.
Elementary off, you wake up with a sour stomach and massive headache.
Alcohol dehydrates, so its time to replenish your body with water. Try a glass of water with one tablespoon of sugar. Water to rehydrate, sugar for the sour feeling in your gut. Sometimes I will take something for the headache. Aspirin or Advil whatever you desiderate.
Next, ice-bag for my head. I used to stick my head under cold running water in the laundry sink.
When your stomach is settled down a bit, and depending on how your feeling, time for breakfast.
Bad Breath
Try some parsley. This food garnish is rich in chlorophyll, a green plant compound that kills the bacteria that basis bad breath.
Use the juice of half a lemon, one teaspoon of salt. Gargle.
Brush your teeth with a couple pinches of baking soda. When done, brush again with normal toothpaste (optional).
I'm sure this is the tip of the iceberg, but these are the ones I know of. These home remedies are in no way a replacement to a Doctors care so if you feel that you might need to see a Physician, please do so.
Simple Steps to Organizing Your Home Office
Whether you're a freelancer whose cubicle is down the hall from your bedroom or you'd just like a quiet sane place to work on that novel, you will eventually realize that a certain amount of organization is necessary to getting the job done. If you've developed habits that lead to paper and books and pens being scattered everywhere, however, it can be hard to get your work area up to the standard you need. Luckily, with a few simple steps, you'll be able to make ensure that you have a tidy work environment in no time!
First, to get truly organized, you are going to need to get everything sorted out in terms of what you do and don't need. While it may be traumatic to toss out all the knickknacks and old documents that you've saved, it will create an impressive amount of space. Remember the old saying that if you haven't thought about it or used it in a year, you can definitely get rid of it. If you can't bear to throw something away, try giving it away instead. This can also help if you're after whole new office furnishings. If you'd like to get a better desk, one that has good storage and will suit your needs better, consider donating your old office equipment to charity; some places will even come and do a pickup, saving you the trouble!
Once you've got your belongings pared down, you are going to need a place to store what's left. One trap that many people fall into is that they have too many things and no place to put them. With a little bit of ingenuity and some basic document boxes and containers, you can tame down just about any home office mess. The important thing is to make sure that everything has a place to sit that isn't on your work surface!
In the interests of getting good storage space, don't be afraid to think outside of the box, so to speak. If you're short on floor space, considering getting a wall-mounted rack. If you have a lot of small objects floating around that you will need, considering getting a small set of drawers and boxes that will sit on your desk. When you get everything into its own proper place, you'll be able to see the difference this makes.
In terms of conserving space, it is likely that you have a multitude of electronic items in your work space. It is important to make sure that these cords aren't jumbled into a pile that has been shoved out of sight and out of mind behind your desk. Sooner or later, you will need to move something and a jumble of cords will be facing you! Considering getting cord and cable rollers, things that can bundle those cords together for you. Bundling your cords together will create a more polished and clear appearance and you might be surprised how much this helps your productivity!
Remember that your office will reflect the state of your mind and plan accordingly. With a little bit of effort, you'll find that it's easy to keep everything in order and close to hand!
First, to get truly organized, you are going to need to get everything sorted out in terms of what you do and don't need. While it may be traumatic to toss out all the knickknacks and old documents that you've saved, it will create an impressive amount of space. Remember the old saying that if you haven't thought about it or used it in a year, you can definitely get rid of it. If you can't bear to throw something away, try giving it away instead. This can also help if you're after whole new office furnishings. If you'd like to get a better desk, one that has good storage and will suit your needs better, consider donating your old office equipment to charity; some places will even come and do a pickup, saving you the trouble!
Once you've got your belongings pared down, you are going to need a place to store what's left. One trap that many people fall into is that they have too many things and no place to put them. With a little bit of ingenuity and some basic document boxes and containers, you can tame down just about any home office mess. The important thing is to make sure that everything has a place to sit that isn't on your work surface!
In the interests of getting good storage space, don't be afraid to think outside of the box, so to speak. If you're short on floor space, considering getting a wall-mounted rack. If you have a lot of small objects floating around that you will need, considering getting a small set of drawers and boxes that will sit on your desk. When you get everything into its own proper place, you'll be able to see the difference this makes.
In terms of conserving space, it is likely that you have a multitude of electronic items in your work space. It is important to make sure that these cords aren't jumbled into a pile that has been shoved out of sight and out of mind behind your desk. Sooner or later, you will need to move something and a jumble of cords will be facing you! Considering getting cord and cable rollers, things that can bundle those cords together for you. Bundling your cords together will create a more polished and clear appearance and you might be surprised how much this helps your productivity!
Remember that your office will reflect the state of your mind and plan accordingly. With a little bit of effort, you'll find that it's easy to keep everything in order and close to hand!
How to Write a Eulogy for Your Loved One
Writing a eulogy for your loved one is indeed an emotionally daunting task. As you begin writing, you remember the good times you've celebrated, and the bad times you've weathered along with your loved one. The nostalgia will fill your eyes with tears, but you must get over your emotions and write a "from-the-heart" eulogy – a eulogy that is a sincere and an emotional farewell. Here are some ideas and tips on how you must pen your eulogy for your loved one and make it sound like an ode to his/her life:
1. You must first plan your eulogy: its duration should be well under ten minutes but should still capture the poignant highlights in your loved one's life.
2. Remember not to speak anything that is negative and do not reminiscence about touchy issues. Keep the eulogy simple, optimistic and anything but gloomy.
3. Having decided the theme and the tone, you must now collect content. To collect content, you will have to look through photo albums and note down the happiest or even the strangest moments and events in your life. You must also note down your loved one's special qualities, passions, habits and what was it about him/her that made him/her so endearing.
4. Once you have the content ready, you must break it up into three parts: beginning, middle and end. The beginning can be an inspirational quote or even a poem or anything that will stir the audience; the middle portion will be pure nostalgia: the moments you shared, the ups and downs, exhilarating and quirky episodes, quotes and comments and whatever other content you have gathered. The end of any eulogy usually carries a punch. Of course, you need to remember that your punch lines must be in context and, though they may make the listener smile, they should inspire him too. For example, "Mary was the one who used to push me into writing notes, so that I should leave nothing to memory; forgive me Mary, from today onwards I shall consign everything to memory. Your memories will remain with me forever."
5. Though a eulogy is considered formal, it must be written in a conversational, informal tone. Go ahead and read samples by all means, but write out your eulogy from your heart, in your own conversational style.
6. You must not cast yourself as the principal character in your eulogy – do not forget to mention about people who were close to the deceased, such as her best friend and relations.
7. You must always hand over a copy of your eulogy to a trusted friend or relation, who can finish it for you just in case you are overwhelmed by emotions.
A eulogy is not a biography – it is more like recounting personal experiences. And when it comes to your loved one, you must make the best effort to produce the best piece you have ever written. After all, it's for your loved one – for someone you gave your heart to and received happiness, warmth and a fulfilling life in return.
1. You must first plan your eulogy: its duration should be well under ten minutes but should still capture the poignant highlights in your loved one's life.
2. Remember not to speak anything that is negative and do not reminiscence about touchy issues. Keep the eulogy simple, optimistic and anything but gloomy.
3. Having decided the theme and the tone, you must now collect content. To collect content, you will have to look through photo albums and note down the happiest or even the strangest moments and events in your life. You must also note down your loved one's special qualities, passions, habits and what was it about him/her that made him/her so endearing.
4. Once you have the content ready, you must break it up into three parts: beginning, middle and end. The beginning can be an inspirational quote or even a poem or anything that will stir the audience; the middle portion will be pure nostalgia: the moments you shared, the ups and downs, exhilarating and quirky episodes, quotes and comments and whatever other content you have gathered. The end of any eulogy usually carries a punch. Of course, you need to remember that your punch lines must be in context and, though they may make the listener smile, they should inspire him too. For example, "Mary was the one who used to push me into writing notes, so that I should leave nothing to memory; forgive me Mary, from today onwards I shall consign everything to memory. Your memories will remain with me forever."
5. Though a eulogy is considered formal, it must be written in a conversational, informal tone. Go ahead and read samples by all means, but write out your eulogy from your heart, in your own conversational style.
6. You must not cast yourself as the principal character in your eulogy – do not forget to mention about people who were close to the deceased, such as her best friend and relations.
7. You must always hand over a copy of your eulogy to a trusted friend or relation, who can finish it for you just in case you are overwhelmed by emotions.
A eulogy is not a biography – it is more like recounting personal experiences. And when it comes to your loved one, you must make the best effort to produce the best piece you have ever written. After all, it's for your loved one – for someone you gave your heart to and received happiness, warmth and a fulfilling life in return.
Inflatable Bounce House
An inflatable Bounce house is a fun and creative way to bring enjoyment to almost any kind of party or event. Not only are Bounce houses relatively cheap when you consider their size and the amount of people they can entertain; they are also safe and loved by adults and children alike.
Different Types of Bounce Houses:
Children's Obstacle Courses - Bounce houses shaped like obstacle courses are great for those that want to experience a little bit more than just bouncing around. They are great when it comes to making fun games to participate in whilst on the inflatable Bounce house.
Basketball Court - What better way to score a slam dunk, than when you are able to leap 6 feet into the air thanks to the inflatable Bounce castle that you are on. An inflatable Bounce castle, come basketball court, is the perfect solution for many youngsters who enjoy both activities.
Bungee Run - Experience running whilst attached to a stretchy rope that can only be stretched so much! This is fun for those that are really competitive and think that they have the strength to go the distance. The kids are bound to get worked up on this!
Gladiator Joust - This is for those that want to combine a good old fashioned wrestle with a jump around inside an inflatable Bounce house. You can take your place on the stand, and see who is able to stand up, without falling off, the longest!
Slide - For those that would rather jump down a Bounce house which is at a gradient, you should consider a Bounce house slide. They come in a variety of heights and gradients so you can be sure to find the one that you are looking for.
Character - If you have a character/theme that you child particularly likes, then why not get a Bounce house specific to that? An example is that you can get princess and clown castles, so make your pick and see if it is available.
Events for Which Bounce Houses are perfect
Kid's Birthday Parties - What better way to celebrate a kid's birthday than with a Bounce castle for them to enjoy. Not only will it keep the children and their guests entertained, you will also have to worry less about what they are up to since they will all be in one place.
Theme Parks and Carnivals - If you are organizing a special day for a large crowd then a Bounce house can really steal the show. Not only does it provide an outlet for younger children to enjoy themselves, it also adds to the atmosphere of the park tremendously.
Whatever occasion you wish to use a Bounce house for, ensure that you know exactly what you are getting. If you are wanting to merely get the house without any service attached, then be aware that you may have problems getting it up and getting it down. Whatever you decide to do, remember to get multiple quotes, and most importantly...ensure the kids have a great day!
Different Types of Bounce Houses:
Children's Obstacle Courses - Bounce houses shaped like obstacle courses are great for those that want to experience a little bit more than just bouncing around. They are great when it comes to making fun games to participate in whilst on the inflatable Bounce house.
Basketball Court - What better way to score a slam dunk, than when you are able to leap 6 feet into the air thanks to the inflatable Bounce castle that you are on. An inflatable Bounce castle, come basketball court, is the perfect solution for many youngsters who enjoy both activities.
Bungee Run - Experience running whilst attached to a stretchy rope that can only be stretched so much! This is fun for those that are really competitive and think that they have the strength to go the distance. The kids are bound to get worked up on this!
Gladiator Joust - This is for those that want to combine a good old fashioned wrestle with a jump around inside an inflatable Bounce house. You can take your place on the stand, and see who is able to stand up, without falling off, the longest!
Slide - For those that would rather jump down a Bounce house which is at a gradient, you should consider a Bounce house slide. They come in a variety of heights and gradients so you can be sure to find the one that you are looking for.
Character - If you have a character/theme that you child particularly likes, then why not get a Bounce house specific to that? An example is that you can get princess and clown castles, so make your pick and see if it is available.
Events for Which Bounce Houses are perfect
Kid's Birthday Parties - What better way to celebrate a kid's birthday than with a Bounce castle for them to enjoy. Not only will it keep the children and their guests entertained, you will also have to worry less about what they are up to since they will all be in one place.
Theme Parks and Carnivals - If you are organizing a special day for a large crowd then a Bounce house can really steal the show. Not only does it provide an outlet for younger children to enjoy themselves, it also adds to the atmosphere of the park tremendously.
Whatever occasion you wish to use a Bounce house for, ensure that you know exactly what you are getting. If you are wanting to merely get the house without any service attached, then be aware that you may have problems getting it up and getting it down. Whatever you decide to do, remember to get multiple quotes, and most importantly...ensure the kids have a great day!
Love, Disaster, and Compatbility for the Rooster in Chinese Astrology
In Chinese Astrology, the Rooster is the tenth animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac out of twelve. The twelve animal signs in the Chinese Zodiac are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each one of these signs has characteristics are innate to them.
For the Rooster in Chinese Astrology, they are known to be fashionable dressers and like to get things done right. Roosters can be flamboyant and like to flaunt what they got. In a professional setting, Roosters tend to be quite good managers as they dutifully tend to their tasks and underlings. Roosters are confident and can be to a fault and often fall victim to hubris. However, if one is being managed by a Rooster, they may find the Rooster to be confrontational and incessantly pecking at them to improve. The one trick these employees can do is to flatter the Rooster as they can easily be duped with flattery.
So what happens if one is not working with a Rooster but is actually in a romantic relationship with a Rooster? Of course, there are certain personalities and Chinese Zodiac signs that pair better with the Rooster and others that are short of disaster.
To illustrate, the Rooster and the Rat is a disastrous match according to Chinese Astrology. This relationship will be contentious and fraught with stress from the beginning. In fact, both signs have little patience and tolerance for the other person. Therefore Roosters and Rats should try to avoid each other as much as possible.
On the flip side, the Rooster and the Ox is a phenomenal match. The Ox is stable, reliable, and more patient which mixes well with the Rooster's tendency towards the flamboyant. So the Ox grounds the Rooster while the Rooster adds excitement to the solid Ox. At the end of the day, both understand each other and make a great team.
For the Rooster in Chinese Astrology, they are known to be fashionable dressers and like to get things done right. Roosters can be flamboyant and like to flaunt what they got. In a professional setting, Roosters tend to be quite good managers as they dutifully tend to their tasks and underlings. Roosters are confident and can be to a fault and often fall victim to hubris. However, if one is being managed by a Rooster, they may find the Rooster to be confrontational and incessantly pecking at them to improve. The one trick these employees can do is to flatter the Rooster as they can easily be duped with flattery.
So what happens if one is not working with a Rooster but is actually in a romantic relationship with a Rooster? Of course, there are certain personalities and Chinese Zodiac signs that pair better with the Rooster and others that are short of disaster.
To illustrate, the Rooster and the Rat is a disastrous match according to Chinese Astrology. This relationship will be contentious and fraught with stress from the beginning. In fact, both signs have little patience and tolerance for the other person. Therefore Roosters and Rats should try to avoid each other as much as possible.
On the flip side, the Rooster and the Ox is a phenomenal match. The Ox is stable, reliable, and more patient which mixes well with the Rooster's tendency towards the flamboyant. So the Ox grounds the Rooster while the Rooster adds excitement to the solid Ox. At the end of the day, both understand each other and make a great team.
The Western Zodiac Equivalent to the Chinese Zodiac Signs
Chinese Astrology has its own Zodiac symbols as does Western Astrology. Oftentimes it is very difficult for one to decipher and understand how the zodiac sybmols of Chinese and Western Astrology relate to each other. In the Chinese Zodiac, there are 12 animal signs. These 12 signs are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each one of these Chinese Zodiac signs embody their own personality.
For example, the Rat in Chinese Astrology, is known to be mentally sharp and always on the go. Rats are known to be the creative type who tend to think outside the box. If there is any protest, movement, or party, Rats are often in the middle of things since people tend to be drawn to the charming nature of the Rat. They also tend to think well on their feet. For all the positives of the Rat, their negatives are that they can be too impulsive and not patient enough with others who need more time to digest situations or who are more rational. So it is easy to be a friend of the Rat, but it is considerably more difficult to be a Rat's close friend.
So the Rat in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Sagittarius in the Western Zodiac.
The Ox in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Capricorn in the Western Zodiac.
The Tiger in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Aquarius in the Western Zodiac.
The Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Pisces in the Western Zodiac.
The Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Aries in the Western Zodiac.
The Snake in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Taurus in the Western Zodiac.
The Horse in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Gemini in the Western Zodiac.
The Sheep in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Cancer in the Western Zodiac.
The Monkey in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Leo in the Western Zodiac.
The Rooster in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Virgo in the Western Zodiac.
The Dog in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Libra in the Western Zodiac.
Finally, the Pig in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Scorpio in the Western Zodiac.
For example, the Rat in Chinese Astrology, is known to be mentally sharp and always on the go. Rats are known to be the creative type who tend to think outside the box. If there is any protest, movement, or party, Rats are often in the middle of things since people tend to be drawn to the charming nature of the Rat. They also tend to think well on their feet. For all the positives of the Rat, their negatives are that they can be too impulsive and not patient enough with others who need more time to digest situations or who are more rational. So it is easy to be a friend of the Rat, but it is considerably more difficult to be a Rat's close friend.
So the Rat in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Sagittarius in the Western Zodiac.
The Ox in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Capricorn in the Western Zodiac.
The Tiger in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Aquarius in the Western Zodiac.
The Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Pisces in the Western Zodiac.
The Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Aries in the Western Zodiac.
The Snake in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Taurus in the Western Zodiac.
The Horse in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Gemini in the Western Zodiac.
The Sheep in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Cancer in the Western Zodiac.
The Monkey in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Leo in the Western Zodiac.
The Rooster in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Virgo in the Western Zodiac.
The Dog in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Libra in the Western Zodiac.
Finally, the Pig in the Chinese Zodiac is akin to the Scorpio in the Western Zodiac.
How To Find Cheap Dental Coverage - Right Now
Are you looking for cheap dental coverage? If so, here is an inexpensive solution that you may want to look into. The solution is called a discount dental plan. Dental discount plans are not insurance, but simply a membership service that allows you access to qualified dentists within a network that are willing to perform dental procedures for a substantial discount in exchange for being paid cash at the time of service. That way they don't have to wait to be paid by insurance companies, make payment arrangements, etc..
You can actually save anywhere from 10 to 60% on every day dental procedures by becoming a member of one of these plans. You can take advantage of all services provided such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, root canals, crowns, dentures, x-rays and much, much more. Here's an example of how dental discount plans work.
You choose an available plan in your area and then make your annual payment, which can be as low as $79.95 for an individual or $149.95 for an entire family per year. After completing your membership application your paperwork will be processed and you'll receive your membership information within one to three business days, after which you can begin seeing any dentist and within the network.
Pre-existing conditions are covered. This means that, unlike dental insurance, where you can't have any current problems fixed as a new patient without going through a waiting period, you can have your issues taking care of right away. This means that if you have a toothache, need a root canal, the new dentures, need braces, or whatever other dental procedure you may need to have performed, it can be taken care of for you. The only thing that you must be prepared for is to pay for the discounted fee at the time of your visit.
So if you're looking for cheap dental coverage, it's possible the discount dental plans may be your answer.
You can actually save anywhere from 10 to 60% on every day dental procedures by becoming a member of one of these plans. You can take advantage of all services provided such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, root canals, crowns, dentures, x-rays and much, much more. Here's an example of how dental discount plans work.
You choose an available plan in your area and then make your annual payment, which can be as low as $79.95 for an individual or $149.95 for an entire family per year. After completing your membership application your paperwork will be processed and you'll receive your membership information within one to three business days, after which you can begin seeing any dentist and within the network.
Pre-existing conditions are covered. This means that, unlike dental insurance, where you can't have any current problems fixed as a new patient without going through a waiting period, you can have your issues taking care of right away. This means that if you have a toothache, need a root canal, the new dentures, need braces, or whatever other dental procedure you may need to have performed, it can be taken care of for you. The only thing that you must be prepared for is to pay for the discounted fee at the time of your visit.
So if you're looking for cheap dental coverage, it's possible the discount dental plans may be your answer.
A Life Without Father
How does society determine the value of fathers in today’s families? Clearly, today’s women are more independent; many families lack a male figure in the household. Are fathers the forgotten fixture in the life of the average child? On a routine basis, I am bombarded with negative comments on the inferiority of some men. Some women view their child’s biological daddy as merely a sperm donor. There are numerous cases to support the trifling contributions of some men. However, not all men are merely sperm donors. Are men relevant in families living in our modern society? Let’s explore this matter with an everyday perspective.
Today a culture war rages between two generations, traditional and contemporary. Many individuals would claim that the traditional family structure is outdated. Clearly, the demographic shift in America suggests something is happening. According to the 2006 Census Report, there are over 60 million fathers in the United States. Of these, there are 26.4 million in a traditional family environment. Unfortunately, the story isn’t all a pleasant one. With the increase in out-of-wedlock births and the high number of divorces, children living away from their biological father have become commonplace. Furthermore, the National Survey of America’s Families estimated in 1997 that one in three children under 18 years lives apart from one of their parents. Are today’s families better off without fathers? I would say ‘no’ to this suggestion.
Fathers are a staple in our community. The truth is that fathers are necessary to achieve a healthy family balance even though they are not often celebrated as such. A substantial body of research indicates that high levels of involvement by fathers contribute to children’s wellbeing, including better peer relationships, fewer behavior problems, lower criminality, and higher career mobility. Noted sociologist Dr. David Popenoe argues, “Involved fathers bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is likely to bring.” However, the opposite is also true. Children can have an awful life as the consequence of the lack of a caring father. There is a lack of good mentors to teach young boys how to become men and show young girls how to be treated as young ladies. This absence creates societal problems. Steve Farrar, author of Point Man, explains, “We have a crisis on our hands without precedent. I’m an optimist, but the magnitude of the catastrophe overwhelms my ability to comprehend.”
Finally, most fathers are content with their routine necktie every Father’s Day. However, the absence of a caring father makes a difference to a child. My experience with most men is they are really trying to do the right things. Obviously, there are numerous examples of deadbeat dads. If we buy into the notion that fathers are meaningless, how do we provide our children with a sense of optimism for the future? Therefore, every child deserves to have a concerned father who is their number one fan. That’s an everyday perspective.
Today a culture war rages between two generations, traditional and contemporary. Many individuals would claim that the traditional family structure is outdated. Clearly, the demographic shift in America suggests something is happening. According to the 2006 Census Report, there are over 60 million fathers in the United States. Of these, there are 26.4 million in a traditional family environment. Unfortunately, the story isn’t all a pleasant one. With the increase in out-of-wedlock births and the high number of divorces, children living away from their biological father have become commonplace. Furthermore, the National Survey of America’s Families estimated in 1997 that one in three children under 18 years lives apart from one of their parents. Are today’s families better off without fathers? I would say ‘no’ to this suggestion.
Fathers are a staple in our community. The truth is that fathers are necessary to achieve a healthy family balance even though they are not often celebrated as such. A substantial body of research indicates that high levels of involvement by fathers contribute to children’s wellbeing, including better peer relationships, fewer behavior problems, lower criminality, and higher career mobility. Noted sociologist Dr. David Popenoe argues, “Involved fathers bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is likely to bring.” However, the opposite is also true. Children can have an awful life as the consequence of the lack of a caring father. There is a lack of good mentors to teach young boys how to become men and show young girls how to be treated as young ladies. This absence creates societal problems. Steve Farrar, author of Point Man, explains, “We have a crisis on our hands without precedent. I’m an optimist, but the magnitude of the catastrophe overwhelms my ability to comprehend.”
Finally, most fathers are content with their routine necktie every Father’s Day. However, the absence of a caring father makes a difference to a child. My experience with most men is they are really trying to do the right things. Obviously, there are numerous examples of deadbeat dads. If we buy into the notion that fathers are meaningless, how do we provide our children with a sense of optimism for the future? Therefore, every child deserves to have a concerned father who is their number one fan. That’s an everyday perspective.
Children of Excess…….Are We Giving Our Children Too Much?
Too many children take life so easy; they don't know what it means to work hard to acquire their desires. They are handed everything they want much too easy. We are in a generation of excess. They want it all, and they want it now! According to Teen Newsweek, October 11, 2004, 30 percent of parents say that brand preference is of "major importance" to their kids. It is sad that many parents let the fad of the generation keep them in debt for their children. Is this only to impress?
In the same study, 75 percent of parents say their kids do fewer chores than children did 10 years ago. In 2003, 12 to 19-year-olds spent roughly $175 billion or $53 billion more than in 1997, according to Teen Research Unlimited. Some psychologists say that parents who overindulge their kids may be setting them up for future anxiety and depression. Recent studies show that kids who were given too much too soon often have difficulty coping with life's disappointments as adults. I often see parents allowing their children to make their own decisions about clothing as well as where they go and who they go with. Allowing our children to work less and get more, I will say is a big set up for them later in life. We must show discipline in every area of our lives. Disciple has to be in shopping, eating, working, and even thing simple as just talking.
Everything we do should always be done with a balance and in love. Consistency is necessary. Proper discipline brings lasting results to both child and parent. We discipline our children to save them pain and disappointment. A lot of us have disciplined our children without realizing why we did it. When our children ask us why we make decisions concerning them, our famous answer is, "Because I told you so." Now what kind of answer is that? We have to be open and honest with our children, most of all we must be stern and firm in our decisions.
Guidelines to Live By
We have standards and guidelines in our home, and while our girls are there with us, they will have to abide by them. If clothing seems to be too revealing, I tell them if you are willing to show it, you may be willing to give it away. My girls on occasion have made comments like, "Well everybody does it," and I kindly say to them, "Well, you're not!" I tell them they will be accountable for their actions and stand in judgment one day for every decision made. We all will. You don't want to shorten your blessings and days on earth by following what others are doing when you know the right thing to do. It's not worth it!
As parents, don't settle for simple parenting because you feel it will hurt your child's feelings. We have to put those feelings out of the way and stick to what we feel in our heart is best for our child. What is good for Johnny down the street may not be good for my child. Therefore, we have to do what rest in our heart and stick with what is comfortable with the decisions we make while raising our children.
In the same study, 75 percent of parents say their kids do fewer chores than children did 10 years ago. In 2003, 12 to 19-year-olds spent roughly $175 billion or $53 billion more than in 1997, according to Teen Research Unlimited. Some psychologists say that parents who overindulge their kids may be setting them up for future anxiety and depression. Recent studies show that kids who were given too much too soon often have difficulty coping with life's disappointments as adults. I often see parents allowing their children to make their own decisions about clothing as well as where they go and who they go with. Allowing our children to work less and get more, I will say is a big set up for them later in life. We must show discipline in every area of our lives. Disciple has to be in shopping, eating, working, and even thing simple as just talking.
Everything we do should always be done with a balance and in love. Consistency is necessary. Proper discipline brings lasting results to both child and parent. We discipline our children to save them pain and disappointment. A lot of us have disciplined our children without realizing why we did it. When our children ask us why we make decisions concerning them, our famous answer is, "Because I told you so." Now what kind of answer is that? We have to be open and honest with our children, most of all we must be stern and firm in our decisions.
Guidelines to Live By
We have standards and guidelines in our home, and while our girls are there with us, they will have to abide by them. If clothing seems to be too revealing, I tell them if you are willing to show it, you may be willing to give it away. My girls on occasion have made comments like, "Well everybody does it," and I kindly say to them, "Well, you're not!" I tell them they will be accountable for their actions and stand in judgment one day for every decision made. We all will. You don't want to shorten your blessings and days on earth by following what others are doing when you know the right thing to do. It's not worth it!
As parents, don't settle for simple parenting because you feel it will hurt your child's feelings. We have to put those feelings out of the way and stick to what we feel in our heart is best for our child. What is good for Johnny down the street may not be good for my child. Therefore, we have to do what rest in our heart and stick with what is comfortable with the decisions we make while raising our children.
Simple Steps to Organizing Your Home Fast for Fun Entertaining
Sometimes, parties just fall together and you've been elected as the host! Whether your friends are getting together to watch your favorite medical drama, or there's something that just needs to be celebrated, you might not have as much time to plan your get together as you would like. Don't panic, though! There's lots of things you can do to organize your home for a fast fun evening and by keeping that in mind, you'll make sure that everyone has a great time!
If your home is a little messier than you would prefer for a party, there are some quick fixes that can make your abode more palatable. There's always the grab and toss method of cleaning, where you rope off certain areas of your house behind closed doors. You can throw things in those rooms until after the party. Remember this isn't a permanent fix, no matter how nice your living room looks! If your furniture itself is stained or broken, consider getting slipcovers as a stop-gap measure.
The important thing about your party is that everyone have a good time, and the responsibility for that falls on you. In terms of quick refreshment, there's a lot you can do. You can head to your local supermarket for a deli tray of meat and cheese, and while you're there, consider picking up some fruit as well. Pepperoni and crackers are sort of boring, but very few people will turn down ripe strawberries or slices of pineapple. If you want to be a bit more original, considering serving slices of starfruit or lychee berries. These more exotic fruit will be a lovely delicacy for your guests.
If there's something special you want to watch, be it the Super Bowl or the season premiere of your favorite show, you can really wow your guests by renting a big screen TV. These rentals are cheaper than you might think, and some are available under very short notice. Watch your favorite shows blown up to near-movie screen sizes in the comfort of your own home!
In terms of keeping everyone in entertained, you can always prepare some games in case the conversation lags. If you're really pressed for time, you can download games directly off of the computer. The best games tell your guests things they didn't know about each other and draw everyone in. As the host, you'll be acquainted with everyone invited; find something that will suit your group of friends. Keep in mind that everyone should be comfortable and plan accordingly.
Just before the party, do a quick walk-through to make sure that you haven't forgotten anything. Remember things like paper towels, paper plates, disposable silverware and toilet paper, and make sure that if you need to go out to get them that you have plenty of time. If you care to decorate, this is possible even at the last minute; just head to the store and get some streamers and banners and you'll be set.
There's a lot you can do to make sure that you're party goes smoothly and with a little bit of forethought, you can ensure your guests have a great time!
If your home is a little messier than you would prefer for a party, there are some quick fixes that can make your abode more palatable. There's always the grab and toss method of cleaning, where you rope off certain areas of your house behind closed doors. You can throw things in those rooms until after the party. Remember this isn't a permanent fix, no matter how nice your living room looks! If your furniture itself is stained or broken, consider getting slipcovers as a stop-gap measure.
The important thing about your party is that everyone have a good time, and the responsibility for that falls on you. In terms of quick refreshment, there's a lot you can do. You can head to your local supermarket for a deli tray of meat and cheese, and while you're there, consider picking up some fruit as well. Pepperoni and crackers are sort of boring, but very few people will turn down ripe strawberries or slices of pineapple. If you want to be a bit more original, considering serving slices of starfruit or lychee berries. These more exotic fruit will be a lovely delicacy for your guests.
If there's something special you want to watch, be it the Super Bowl or the season premiere of your favorite show, you can really wow your guests by renting a big screen TV. These rentals are cheaper than you might think, and some are available under very short notice. Watch your favorite shows blown up to near-movie screen sizes in the comfort of your own home!
In terms of keeping everyone in entertained, you can always prepare some games in case the conversation lags. If you're really pressed for time, you can download games directly off of the computer. The best games tell your guests things they didn't know about each other and draw everyone in. As the host, you'll be acquainted with everyone invited; find something that will suit your group of friends. Keep in mind that everyone should be comfortable and plan accordingly.
Just before the party, do a quick walk-through to make sure that you haven't forgotten anything. Remember things like paper towels, paper plates, disposable silverware and toilet paper, and make sure that if you need to go out to get them that you have plenty of time. If you care to decorate, this is possible even at the last minute; just head to the store and get some streamers and banners and you'll be set.
There's a lot you can do to make sure that you're party goes smoothly and with a little bit of forethought, you can ensure your guests have a great time!
6 Tips for Protecting Your Home – and Yourself - During a Remodeling Project
Spring and summer in Northern New England means relief from the cold, the end of the school year, and a boom in home remodeling projects.
"This is the busiest time of year for us," said Ed Campbell, VP of Operations for Nashua, NH-based remodeling firm G.M. Roth. "With the warmer weather, people can finally open up their homes and start the big home improvement projects – ones that take more than a couple of days, and expose the home to the outside air with more than just an open window."
For anyone looking to tackle a large project – remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, or adding a porch or in-law suite, for example – here are six things for the top of your home improvement to-do list:
Check the weather. Rainy days are frequent in spring and summer months, and depending on the length of time your remodeling project will take, you might need to protect your home from the elements – and from contractors tracking the elements into your home. Make sure you account for this possibility before and during the remodeling process.
Don't forget about winter so soon. Sure, the weather is warming up right now. But if your remodeling project requires new doors, windows, or changes to exterior walls, be sure you discuss adequate insulation and energy efficiency options with your contractor. Come winter, you don't want to be left in the cold.
Get real about the project timeline. We all have the best intentions, and we all like to hear the best-case scenarios. But life isn't always that simple, and neither are remodeling projects. Ask every contractor from whom you get a quote to provide an honest estimate of how long the project will take – no sugarcoating, no rose-colored glasses.
Call your insurance agent. Since home remodeling often increases the value of your home, you'll want your insurance coverage to come up to speed with the improvements. Plus, your agent can tell you if you'll be covered in case of things like weather damage during the remodeling, injuries to workers, and other unexpected events.
Get it all in writing. The agreement you have with your contractor should specify who's responsible for cleanup during and after the remodeling project. Also, responsibility for protection of your property from construction damage should be spelled out, too.
Get out, if you can. There may be times where fumes or dust give you no choice but to stay with friends, family, or a local motel for short spells. But kitchen remodeling, for example, often denies homeowners the use of major appliances and drinking water. Rather than set up a temporary kitchen with paper goods in the spare bedroom, it might be easier to crash with the in-laws for a couple of weeks, and spring for their groceries as well as yours.
Planning ahead, the key to success in so many areas of life, is just as important for home remodeling projects. And with the industry about to go through the high-demand phase of its business cycle, taking time to plan before you start a major home improvement won't just increase in the value of your home. It'll pay off in peace of mind as well.
"This is the busiest time of year for us," said Ed Campbell, VP of Operations for Nashua, NH-based remodeling firm G.M. Roth. "With the warmer weather, people can finally open up their homes and start the big home improvement projects – ones that take more than a couple of days, and expose the home to the outside air with more than just an open window."
For anyone looking to tackle a large project – remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, or adding a porch or in-law suite, for example – here are six things for the top of your home improvement to-do list:
Check the weather. Rainy days are frequent in spring and summer months, and depending on the length of time your remodeling project will take, you might need to protect your home from the elements – and from contractors tracking the elements into your home. Make sure you account for this possibility before and during the remodeling process.
Don't forget about winter so soon. Sure, the weather is warming up right now. But if your remodeling project requires new doors, windows, or changes to exterior walls, be sure you discuss adequate insulation and energy efficiency options with your contractor. Come winter, you don't want to be left in the cold.
Get real about the project timeline. We all have the best intentions, and we all like to hear the best-case scenarios. But life isn't always that simple, and neither are remodeling projects. Ask every contractor from whom you get a quote to provide an honest estimate of how long the project will take – no sugarcoating, no rose-colored glasses.
Call your insurance agent. Since home remodeling often increases the value of your home, you'll want your insurance coverage to come up to speed with the improvements. Plus, your agent can tell you if you'll be covered in case of things like weather damage during the remodeling, injuries to workers, and other unexpected events.
Get it all in writing. The agreement you have with your contractor should specify who's responsible for cleanup during and after the remodeling project. Also, responsibility for protection of your property from construction damage should be spelled out, too.
Get out, if you can. There may be times where fumes or dust give you no choice but to stay with friends, family, or a local motel for short spells. But kitchen remodeling, for example, often denies homeowners the use of major appliances and drinking water. Rather than set up a temporary kitchen with paper goods in the spare bedroom, it might be easier to crash with the in-laws for a couple of weeks, and spring for their groceries as well as yours.
Planning ahead, the key to success in so many areas of life, is just as important for home remodeling projects. And with the industry about to go through the high-demand phase of its business cycle, taking time to plan before you start a major home improvement won't just increase in the value of your home. It'll pay off in peace of mind as well.
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Baby's Name
Naming a child is an extremely serious affair. A name stays forever and, if the child hates his name during his growing years, it can adversely affect his mind and psychology. Therefore, it is very important for parents to give their child a name that he will not find embarrassing when he grows up. Here's one example of disastrous child naming: Bruce Willis has named his daughters Rumer, Tallulah and Scout. This is a clear case of forcing a personal choice down the throats of children who have no worldly experience of knowing what is right or wrong for them.
So, lesson number one: parents must think from the child's angle and ask themselves this -
* Will my child be proud of his name or will he be embarrassed by it?
* Will the name give a chance to potential leg-pullers to make life miserable for my child during his growing-up years?
Once you are clear that you have to think from the child's point of view, here's what you must do:
1. The basics of naming a child are that the name must sound positive and must conform to the child's gender. This goes without saying, and we're sure you'll be up to it.
2. If you are bound either by religion or tradition when it comes to naming, then the buck stops there, as you have to select the name from a given set of names. In this case, you must make a list of the traditional or religious names and shortlist the names that you like the most. After that it boils down to choosing the name you think suits your child the best.
3. If you're looking beyond religion and tradition, then you can really get creative: you can base your child's name on his physical traits or on his personality. For example, if your child has a strong bone structure, you can choose a "strength" name for him; if he appears creative to you, you can go in for an "arty" name, and so on. Maybe you can name your baby after your interests, but whatever you choose to do, remember not to make the name sound weird or complicated. There's this website, AmericanBaby.com (http://www.americanbaby.com/babynames/index.jsp), which is a favorite for name seekers – try it out, it may give you a whole lot of ideas.
4. You can also choose to name your child after your favorite singer or actor. However, you must remember that many such celebrities are law-breakers, do not have much ethical sense, and are into abusing substances such as drugs and what not. Be careful to base your child's name on a celebrity who stands on a high moral ground.
5. You must also analyze how the name will sound when the last name is added to it. This is important because the child will be known by his full name once he begins his schooling.
6. Here is a small list of DON'Ts:
(i) The initials of your child's full name (first, middle and last) may sometimes make a word. For example: Billy Uriah Balboa makes BUB. So, if the name you have chosen ends up making an offensive word out of the initials, avoid it.
(ii) The spelling must not be too complicated and the name should be easily pronounceable.
(iii) Avoid very long names!
Once you have made a list of your favorite names, go ahead and choose, and remember to choose well because that name will be stuck to your child for whole life. Make sure to see that your child is proud of your superior choice. We wish you all the luck in the world.
So, lesson number one: parents must think from the child's angle and ask themselves this -
* Will my child be proud of his name or will he be embarrassed by it?
* Will the name give a chance to potential leg-pullers to make life miserable for my child during his growing-up years?
Once you are clear that you have to think from the child's point of view, here's what you must do:
1. The basics of naming a child are that the name must sound positive and must conform to the child's gender. This goes without saying, and we're sure you'll be up to it.
2. If you are bound either by religion or tradition when it comes to naming, then the buck stops there, as you have to select the name from a given set of names. In this case, you must make a list of the traditional or religious names and shortlist the names that you like the most. After that it boils down to choosing the name you think suits your child the best.
3. If you're looking beyond religion and tradition, then you can really get creative: you can base your child's name on his physical traits or on his personality. For example, if your child has a strong bone structure, you can choose a "strength" name for him; if he appears creative to you, you can go in for an "arty" name, and so on. Maybe you can name your baby after your interests, but whatever you choose to do, remember not to make the name sound weird or complicated. There's this website, AmericanBaby.com (http://www.americanbaby.com/babynames/index.jsp), which is a favorite for name seekers – try it out, it may give you a whole lot of ideas.
4. You can also choose to name your child after your favorite singer or actor. However, you must remember that many such celebrities are law-breakers, do not have much ethical sense, and are into abusing substances such as drugs and what not. Be careful to base your child's name on a celebrity who stands on a high moral ground.
5. You must also analyze how the name will sound when the last name is added to it. This is important because the child will be known by his full name once he begins his schooling.
6. Here is a small list of DON'Ts:
(i) The initials of your child's full name (first, middle and last) may sometimes make a word. For example: Billy Uriah Balboa makes BUB. So, if the name you have chosen ends up making an offensive word out of the initials, avoid it.
(ii) The spelling must not be too complicated and the name should be easily pronounceable.
(iii) Avoid very long names!
Once you have made a list of your favorite names, go ahead and choose, and remember to choose well because that name will be stuck to your child for whole life. Make sure to see that your child is proud of your superior choice. We wish you all the luck in the world.
How To Find Affordable Family Dental Plans
Have you been considering a family dental insurance plan? If so, then you need to read the following article. We've done a direct comparison between dental insurance plans and dental discount plans and the results between the two, good and bad, are below. This should allow you to make an informed decision before you make a purchase. Read on.
We'll begin with family dental insurance. Dental insurance is still a decent deal if you can get it through a group plan, possibly through your employer. Most companies that offer dental coverage get a very reasonable group rate and pass it on to the employees at price that they can usually afford, although they normally have to pay additional for their entire family to be covered. Most family dental plans will cost as much as $100.00 per month if purchased privately.
Normally, dental insurance plans won't cover pre-existing conditions. This means that if you or one of your family members has a cavity, that is obviously not new, then you would most likely have to pay for that filling procedure out of your own pocket. You will normally have a waiting period for a minimum of six months and as long as two years before the plan really "kicks in" and provides adequate coverage for yourself and your family. Most dental insurance will cover a good portion of your regular check ups though. This is preventive coverage and it makes sense for them to pay for a small amount now to make certain that everything is alright, rather than letting a problem go and paying a much larger amount later.
Dental discount plans are exactly that, a discount plan. They first became popular a little over ten tears ago and, for some individuals and families, have been a godsend because they are unable to to afford traditional dental insurance premiums, especially when they would have such a long waiting period before they could have their pre-existing condition repaired.
This is how a dental discount plan works. You pay a small fee, either monthly or annually, to have either yourself or your entire family covered by the plan. After joining you'll be sent paperwork with all of the discounted rates that you will have to pay for each procedure performed and also a list of all participating dentists in their network that practice in your area.
The way that this works is you simply set up an appointment with the dentist and then pay them the discounted fee after the procedure has been performed. That's it. They get paid their discounted rate cash on the barrel head and you get a substantial savings on your dental work by simply becoming a member of the discount dental plan and by paying cash at the time of your visit. Pre-existing conditions are fine, there are no age limits or exclusions and there is no billing done.
The choice is really up to you. Do you believe that family dental insurance is your best option or would a dental discount plan be your best option? Good luck!
We'll begin with family dental insurance. Dental insurance is still a decent deal if you can get it through a group plan, possibly through your employer. Most companies that offer dental coverage get a very reasonable group rate and pass it on to the employees at price that they can usually afford, although they normally have to pay additional for their entire family to be covered. Most family dental plans will cost as much as $100.00 per month if purchased privately.
Normally, dental insurance plans won't cover pre-existing conditions. This means that if you or one of your family members has a cavity, that is obviously not new, then you would most likely have to pay for that filling procedure out of your own pocket. You will normally have a waiting period for a minimum of six months and as long as two years before the plan really "kicks in" and provides adequate coverage for yourself and your family. Most dental insurance will cover a good portion of your regular check ups though. This is preventive coverage and it makes sense for them to pay for a small amount now to make certain that everything is alright, rather than letting a problem go and paying a much larger amount later.
Dental discount plans are exactly that, a discount plan. They first became popular a little over ten tears ago and, for some individuals and families, have been a godsend because they are unable to to afford traditional dental insurance premiums, especially when they would have such a long waiting period before they could have their pre-existing condition repaired.
This is how a dental discount plan works. You pay a small fee, either monthly or annually, to have either yourself or your entire family covered by the plan. After joining you'll be sent paperwork with all of the discounted rates that you will have to pay for each procedure performed and also a list of all participating dentists in their network that practice in your area.
The way that this works is you simply set up an appointment with the dentist and then pay them the discounted fee after the procedure has been performed. That's it. They get paid their discounted rate cash on the barrel head and you get a substantial savings on your dental work by simply becoming a member of the discount dental plan and by paying cash at the time of your visit. Pre-existing conditions are fine, there are no age limits or exclusions and there is no billing done.
The choice is really up to you. Do you believe that family dental insurance is your best option or would a dental discount plan be your best option? Good luck!
Family Fun with Saltwater Fishing
Planning a family vacation or some unique
activities to do together with your family? Why
not try saltwater fishing!
Saltwater fishing is an activity that everyone,
no matter what your age, can enjoy. Many
generations can grow closer by fishing together,
and this is also a great activity to use to teach
children about things like conservation, water
safety, and habitats.
To do saltwater fishing, you would need to
charter a boat if you don't own one. There are
many companies that provide fishing trips come
complete with rods and tackles so you don't have
to worry about getting all the fishing equipment
yourself.
However, if you do wish to buy one, do a little
research on the interest or from books on what
kind of tackles are required for the kind of fish
you plan to catch. Check also with the fishing
charter companies on areas where they are taking
you to and what kind of fishes you can expect to
catch so you can get the right equipment.
Many of these fishing boats also include cabins,
so non-fishermen can enjoy a beautiful day at sea.
Take along a picnic basket and bring your
favourite drinks and snacks along.
In case of sea sickness, it is a good idea to get
some moment sickness pills along. Consult you
doctor for moment sickness pills or patches that
are suitable for children.
During the fishing session, teach your children
about basic water safety. Make sure everyone
wears a life jacket. It is also important to wear
a whistles in case someone falls overboard.
Other important safety include being careful when
dealing with hooks and fishing equipment.
Teach your children the importance of protecting
the environment. Don't catch fish just for fun,
but rather enjoy a fish meal together after the
trip or give to someone else if you have too many
fishes. Make sure also you teach your kids about
proper handling of garbage. To take them back to
shore for disposal rather than throw into the
water.
After the trip, go home for a celebration feast.
It is the entire process doing things together
and celebrating the labour together that really
foster unity and bond a family. Your kids will
remember those experiences for many years to come.
activities to do together with your family? Why
not try saltwater fishing!
Saltwater fishing is an activity that everyone,
no matter what your age, can enjoy. Many
generations can grow closer by fishing together,
and this is also a great activity to use to teach
children about things like conservation, water
safety, and habitats.
To do saltwater fishing, you would need to
charter a boat if you don't own one. There are
many companies that provide fishing trips come
complete with rods and tackles so you don't have
to worry about getting all the fishing equipment
yourself.
However, if you do wish to buy one, do a little
research on the interest or from books on what
kind of tackles are required for the kind of fish
you plan to catch. Check also with the fishing
charter companies on areas where they are taking
you to and what kind of fishes you can expect to
catch so you can get the right equipment.
Many of these fishing boats also include cabins,
so non-fishermen can enjoy a beautiful day at sea.
Take along a picnic basket and bring your
favourite drinks and snacks along.
In case of sea sickness, it is a good idea to get
some moment sickness pills along. Consult you
doctor for moment sickness pills or patches that
are suitable for children.
During the fishing session, teach your children
about basic water safety. Make sure everyone
wears a life jacket. It is also important to wear
a whistles in case someone falls overboard.
Other important safety include being careful when
dealing with hooks and fishing equipment.
Teach your children the importance of protecting
the environment. Don't catch fish just for fun,
but rather enjoy a fish meal together after the
trip or give to someone else if you have too many
fishes. Make sure also you teach your kids about
proper handling of garbage. To take them back to
shore for disposal rather than throw into the
water.
After the trip, go home for a celebration feast.
It is the entire process doing things together
and celebrating the labour together that really
foster unity and bond a family. Your kids will
remember those experiences for many years to come.
15 Funny Quotes To Celebrate Joke Day
If laughter is the best medicine, then funny quotes are my prescription of choice. After all, who couldn't use a good laugh or two? Help spread the Joke Day celebration and share these 15 funny quotes with a few good friends.
1. "Have you ever noticed? Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac." ~ George Carlin
2. "Electricity can be dangerous. My nephew tried to stick a penny into a plug. Whoever said a penny doesn't go far didn't see him shoot across that floor. I told him he was grounded." ~ Tim Allen
3. "I drive a V10 Ford Excursion and I have to tell folks all the time: look I've got five kids and a dog and birds. I would have to have two Lincolns with two V8s, you see, so it would be 16 cylinders." ~ Dan Aykroyd
4. "Swimming is not a sport. Swimming is a way to keep from drowning. That's just common sense!" ~ George Carlin
5. "Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes." ~ Jim Carrey
6. "Have you ever been in therapy? No? You should try it. It's like a really easy game show where the correct answer to every question is: 'Because of my mother.'" ~ Robin Greenspan
7. "Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue." ~ Scott Adams
8. "You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, "My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!" ~ Dave Barry
9. "Politicians are interested in people. Not that this is always a virtue. Fleas are interested in dogs." ~ PJ O'Rourke
10. "Insanity is hereditary: You can get it from your children." ~ Sam Levinson.
11. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but if the doctor's cute then forget the fruit!" ~ Bumper sticker quote
12. The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits. ~ Albert Einstein
13. "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." ~ Mark Twain
14. "The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans are suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you." ~ Rita Mae Brown
15. "USA Today has come out with a new survey: Apparently three out of four people make up 75 percent of the population." ~ David Letterman
As Carlos Mencia says... "If you ain't laughing, you ain't living." This month, why not take life a little less seriously and laugh a little more. At the very least, share these funny quotes on Joke Day and crack a few grins with your friends.
1. "Have you ever noticed? Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac." ~ George Carlin
2. "Electricity can be dangerous. My nephew tried to stick a penny into a plug. Whoever said a penny doesn't go far didn't see him shoot across that floor. I told him he was grounded." ~ Tim Allen
3. "I drive a V10 Ford Excursion and I have to tell folks all the time: look I've got five kids and a dog and birds. I would have to have two Lincolns with two V8s, you see, so it would be 16 cylinders." ~ Dan Aykroyd
4. "Swimming is not a sport. Swimming is a way to keep from drowning. That's just common sense!" ~ George Carlin
5. "Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes." ~ Jim Carrey
6. "Have you ever been in therapy? No? You should try it. It's like a really easy game show where the correct answer to every question is: 'Because of my mother.'" ~ Robin Greenspan
7. "Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue." ~ Scott Adams
8. "You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, "My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!" ~ Dave Barry
9. "Politicians are interested in people. Not that this is always a virtue. Fleas are interested in dogs." ~ PJ O'Rourke
10. "Insanity is hereditary: You can get it from your children." ~ Sam Levinson.
11. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but if the doctor's cute then forget the fruit!" ~ Bumper sticker quote
12. The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits. ~ Albert Einstein
13. "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." ~ Mark Twain
14. "The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans are suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you." ~ Rita Mae Brown
15. "USA Today has come out with a new survey: Apparently three out of four people make up 75 percent of the population." ~ David Letterman
As Carlos Mencia says... "If you ain't laughing, you ain't living." This month, why not take life a little less seriously and laugh a little more. At the very least, share these funny quotes on Joke Day and crack a few grins with your friends.
Lingerie fabric care
We generally forget how important it is to take care of our lingerie, although we all take considerable care of ensuring that specialist items of clothing such wool, cashmere are washed correctly!! Looking after you bras/lingerie will ensure that they last longer and feel as good as the day you first bought them. Here are a few tips to keep your lingerie in tiptop condition:-
- the care/washing labels attached to your lingerie must ALWAYS be followed;
- hand wash your bras;
- always use mild detergent;
- fabrices such as lace, embrodiery, binding and elastic can be damaged by hot water so use cool water;
- dry flat;
- keep away from direct heat such as radiators and tumble dryers for fear of damaging the wires;
- if you need to wash your lingerie in the washing machine, we would advise you place all garments in a suitable coloured lingerie bag - NEVER tumble dry your lingerie.
If you do not follow this simple guide then these delicate items will suffer!! The fabric can shrink; the wires can be pushed through the fabric and become misshaped and.
It is imperative to use cool water as this will help keep the garments colour and will prevent white fabrics from going grey.
Considerable damage could be done to your washing machine if the wires come out of the garment completely, which can be costly to fix - both your damaged washing machine and your lingerie.
If you follow this care guide, your lingerie will stay silky soft and as gorgeous as the day you purchased it.
There are many different fabrics that make up a bra and each fabric needs its own tender loving care. Here is a short guide to the different types of fabrics used in lingerie (not an exhaustive list by any means):-
Chiffon – lightweight, sheer material usually made from silk.
Cotton – natural fibre and soft to touch.
Elastane – synthetic fabric with high elasticity.
Embroidery – adds texture and colour to garments - hand or machine embellishment.
Jacquard – design woven onto it in a different colour or texture.
Linen - Very cool and absorbent but can crease easily.
Microfibre - water repellent, breathable and washable synthetic fibre.
Nylon - this hard wearing fabric was the first ever completely synthetic fibre produced.
Polyester - a popular fabric used for lingerie as it is strong, stretchy and extremely resilient.
Sheer - fine and transparent - very thin fabric.
Tulle - a fine net of viscose, nylon or silk.
- the care/washing labels attached to your lingerie must ALWAYS be followed;
- hand wash your bras;
- always use mild detergent;
- fabrices such as lace, embrodiery, binding and elastic can be damaged by hot water so use cool water;
- dry flat;
- keep away from direct heat such as radiators and tumble dryers for fear of damaging the wires;
- if you need to wash your lingerie in the washing machine, we would advise you place all garments in a suitable coloured lingerie bag - NEVER tumble dry your lingerie.
If you do not follow this simple guide then these delicate items will suffer!! The fabric can shrink; the wires can be pushed through the fabric and become misshaped and.
It is imperative to use cool water as this will help keep the garments colour and will prevent white fabrics from going grey.
Considerable damage could be done to your washing machine if the wires come out of the garment completely, which can be costly to fix - both your damaged washing machine and your lingerie.
If you follow this care guide, your lingerie will stay silky soft and as gorgeous as the day you purchased it.
There are many different fabrics that make up a bra and each fabric needs its own tender loving care. Here is a short guide to the different types of fabrics used in lingerie (not an exhaustive list by any means):-
Chiffon – lightweight, sheer material usually made from silk.
Cotton – natural fibre and soft to touch.
Elastane – synthetic fabric with high elasticity.
Embroidery – adds texture and colour to garments - hand or machine embellishment.
Jacquard – design woven onto it in a different colour or texture.
Linen - Very cool and absorbent but can crease easily.
Microfibre - water repellent, breathable and washable synthetic fibre.
Nylon - this hard wearing fabric was the first ever completely synthetic fibre produced.
Polyester - a popular fabric used for lingerie as it is strong, stretchy and extremely resilient.
Sheer - fine and transparent - very thin fabric.
Tulle - a fine net of viscose, nylon or silk.
Bed Bug Prevention: Cover Your Bed
A resurgence of Cimex lectularius, better known as the common bed bug , has turned playful bedtime sendoffs into truly fearful warnings. This resurrection can largely be attributed to the halt in using the pesticide DDT that nearly eradicated bed bugs in the United States in the 1950s, leaving little to no defense against the uprising miniscule offenders today. Adding to this effect is the fact that bed bugs are nocturnal in nature, preying on sleeping people across the world. They feed on human blood, leaving only a trail of red itchy welts or localized swellings on the skin as calling cards of their appearances.
While red marks may be an indication of an infestation, they are definitely not a confirmation. Finding these critters is no easy task, as they are approximately 4-5 mm in length with a flattened form, allowing them to hide in crevices and creases with ease. While often found hiding all over the house, their favorite spot to conceal themselves–in the event that a mattress cover or pillow cover are not being used–is in or around the bed, hence their name. Being so close to their primary food source gives them the opportunity to feed every 5-10 days, though they are able to live up to 18 months without eating. .
A bed bug will dine on human blood for approximately 5-15 minutes before it will be fully engorged, more than tripling its size. This change has been known to cause misidentification as it becomes round in shape, different from its naturally flat shape. Additionally, when it is an adult it becomes brown in color, except after feeding when it takes on a dark red hue due to the intake of human blood.
Because of their miniscule size and innate ability to hide, bed bugs can enter the home in a multitude of ways, including any type of object that can be transferred from one home, apartment, condo, hotels, etc., to another. This transferability, coupled with their hyperactive reproduction, allows their wrath to be widespread very quickly, especially in homes that are older or have many cracks and crevices, messy cluttered homes, and homes where mattresses or pillows are not covered with some sort of allergen-reducing encasements. To get a feel of their ability to infest an entire house, here are some reproduction facts:
• Females lay eggs in clusters of 10-50 in just one day
• The eggs are whitish in color, pear shaped and approximately 1 mm in length
• A female will lay up 500 eggs during her lifetime
• Eggs hatch in 1-2 weeks time
• In one year’s time, three generations of can be produced
• Newly hatched nymphs—as they are called–begin to feed on human blood immediately
• Nymphs are colorless and the size of a pinhead
• A nymph will go through five molting stages before becoming a full adult, feeding during each stage
Though these wingless vampires have been known to be brimming with pathogens—hepatitis B and plague included—they have not been shown to be a transmitter of disease. Unlike mosquitoes, they are not thought of as being a medical threat, making them more of an annoyance then anything else.
Some people try to live with bed bugs in their lives, though they often are covered with welts and scars from scratching all over their bodies. No distance is great enough to be protected once they have entered your home. They have been known to travel over 100 feet on their own to feed, making merely disinfesting your bed and using mattress and pillow covers a futile act.
In order to be fully rid of these pests, a home needs to be thoroughly cleaned, ensuring that every crease, crevice, floorboard, outlet and corner has been cleaned and rid of them and their eggs. Furthermore, every hole and crack should be filled and caulked, leaving little to no room for already existing eggs to penetrate the home. Once your house is rid of infestation, you should use a complete, zippered mattress encasement, a complete zippered pillow encasement, and a zippered encasement for your box spring. This traps any existing critters inside, essentially permanently removing them from their food source, and disallowing new bugs from hiding in their beloved hotbeds.
While red marks may be an indication of an infestation, they are definitely not a confirmation. Finding these critters is no easy task, as they are approximately 4-5 mm in length with a flattened form, allowing them to hide in crevices and creases with ease. While often found hiding all over the house, their favorite spot to conceal themselves–in the event that a mattress cover or pillow cover are not being used–is in or around the bed, hence their name. Being so close to their primary food source gives them the opportunity to feed every 5-10 days, though they are able to live up to 18 months without eating. .
A bed bug will dine on human blood for approximately 5-15 minutes before it will be fully engorged, more than tripling its size. This change has been known to cause misidentification as it becomes round in shape, different from its naturally flat shape. Additionally, when it is an adult it becomes brown in color, except after feeding when it takes on a dark red hue due to the intake of human blood.
Because of their miniscule size and innate ability to hide, bed bugs can enter the home in a multitude of ways, including any type of object that can be transferred from one home, apartment, condo, hotels, etc., to another. This transferability, coupled with their hyperactive reproduction, allows their wrath to be widespread very quickly, especially in homes that are older or have many cracks and crevices, messy cluttered homes, and homes where mattresses or pillows are not covered with some sort of allergen-reducing encasements. To get a feel of their ability to infest an entire house, here are some reproduction facts:
• Females lay eggs in clusters of 10-50 in just one day
• The eggs are whitish in color, pear shaped and approximately 1 mm in length
• A female will lay up 500 eggs during her lifetime
• Eggs hatch in 1-2 weeks time
• In one year’s time, three generations of can be produced
• Newly hatched nymphs—as they are called–begin to feed on human blood immediately
• Nymphs are colorless and the size of a pinhead
• A nymph will go through five molting stages before becoming a full adult, feeding during each stage
Though these wingless vampires have been known to be brimming with pathogens—hepatitis B and plague included—they have not been shown to be a transmitter of disease. Unlike mosquitoes, they are not thought of as being a medical threat, making them more of an annoyance then anything else.
Some people try to live with bed bugs in their lives, though they often are covered with welts and scars from scratching all over their bodies. No distance is great enough to be protected once they have entered your home. They have been known to travel over 100 feet on their own to feed, making merely disinfesting your bed and using mattress and pillow covers a futile act.
In order to be fully rid of these pests, a home needs to be thoroughly cleaned, ensuring that every crease, crevice, floorboard, outlet and corner has been cleaned and rid of them and their eggs. Furthermore, every hole and crack should be filled and caulked, leaving little to no room for already existing eggs to penetrate the home. Once your house is rid of infestation, you should use a complete, zippered mattress encasement, a complete zippered pillow encasement, and a zippered encasement for your box spring. This traps any existing critters inside, essentially permanently removing them from their food source, and disallowing new bugs from hiding in their beloved hotbeds.
Make bathing a pleasure
Bathroom maintenance is an integral part of good housekeeping. For some, bathrooms signify privacy and intimacy. Bathrooms are often decorated with a wide range of accessories. The objective is the same -- generate a feeling that bathroom is no different from the rest of the house.
Choosing bathroom accessories may be a difficult task for amateur housekeepers or families that have moved into houses independently for the first time. It is a difficult task since the bathroom might be crowded with a huge number of accessories, eventually reducing the space for the users. So make sure that the bathroom is not cluttered with accessories.
It is recommended that every household employ the services of a professional house decorator to decide what constitutes bathroom accessories. Professional house decorators can also assist in buying accessories. However, if that is not a choice, then purchasing bathroom accessories can be made busy by employing research work.
Most of the stores selling bathroom accessories are registered on the Internet. It is easy to visit any of these sites and check out the accessories. Most of the stores transact business through e-commerce. Create a personal account on the website for easy transaction. Most stores offer this facility of creating accounts on their websites.
Once you are convinced with the product, book it online. The stores will home deliver the product. Payment can be made online using a credit card.
It is always good to do a thorough examination of the products before deciding to purchase them. First decide, whether you really need a particular product. Evaluate its use and then purchase.
Some of the most common bathroom accessories at every home are: Shower curtains, clothe hangars, mats, waste baskets, toilet brushes, levers, shelves, holders, towel ring, shower accessories, bath tub accessories and mirrors. Ensure that there is adequate space in the bathroom for all these accessories.
If the house owner intends to go ahead and create an ambience of great quality in the bathroom, there are many options. However, there should be adequate space to create such an ambience in the bathroom.
The bathroom can be decked up with fashionable and ornamental lighting. Window furnishings and door textiles can be of high quality and colored in various combinations. Uninterrupted fragrance can be flowed in the bathroom using special dispensers. Bathroom can also have indoor ornamental plants.
Bathtubs come in various shapes and color these days. The bathtubs can have flashy and trendy external fittings like taps and shower tubes.
Choosing bathroom accessories may be a difficult task for amateur housekeepers or families that have moved into houses independently for the first time. It is a difficult task since the bathroom might be crowded with a huge number of accessories, eventually reducing the space for the users. So make sure that the bathroom is not cluttered with accessories.
It is recommended that every household employ the services of a professional house decorator to decide what constitutes bathroom accessories. Professional house decorators can also assist in buying accessories. However, if that is not a choice, then purchasing bathroom accessories can be made busy by employing research work.
Most of the stores selling bathroom accessories are registered on the Internet. It is easy to visit any of these sites and check out the accessories. Most of the stores transact business through e-commerce. Create a personal account on the website for easy transaction. Most stores offer this facility of creating accounts on their websites.
Once you are convinced with the product, book it online. The stores will home deliver the product. Payment can be made online using a credit card.
It is always good to do a thorough examination of the products before deciding to purchase them. First decide, whether you really need a particular product. Evaluate its use and then purchase.
Some of the most common bathroom accessories at every home are: Shower curtains, clothe hangars, mats, waste baskets, toilet brushes, levers, shelves, holders, towel ring, shower accessories, bath tub accessories and mirrors. Ensure that there is adequate space in the bathroom for all these accessories.
If the house owner intends to go ahead and create an ambience of great quality in the bathroom, there are many options. However, there should be adequate space to create such an ambience in the bathroom.
The bathroom can be decked up with fashionable and ornamental lighting. Window furnishings and door textiles can be of high quality and colored in various combinations. Uninterrupted fragrance can be flowed in the bathroom using special dispensers. Bathroom can also have indoor ornamental plants.
Bathtubs come in various shapes and color these days. The bathtubs can have flashy and trendy external fittings like taps and shower tubes.
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