Home Improvement Ideas

A beautiful garden

2005-08-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

Nothing brightens a home like a garden does especially where flowers
are blooming and ducks in the pond. The author has moved from
her garden for sale blog to her new blog at Red Oak Hollow.

I look forward to more beautiful pictures of her new home and blooming
flowers in the new blog.

10 things you need to know about homeowners insurance

2005-07-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

Having homeowners insurance is important but even more
important is making sure that the insurance you have covers
all your needs.

Why wait until after a disaster to discover your homeowners
insurance doesn't really have you covered? Here are 10 things
to do so you can have peace of mind -- and full protection --
right now:

1. Buy the right insurance. "You should know what you have, and

Full story here...
Source: Bankrate.com

Easy ways to kid-proof your home for summer

2005-07-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

By Jessica Wambach
Staff writer Spokane Source: The Spokesman Review

In many homes, the summer is characterized by more kids,
more bugs and more remodeling projects - a recipe for health
disaster.

It's time to take a good look at your home and step up safety
precautions. The National Center for Healthy Housing has
launched a campaign to alert families how they can make their
homes healthier with a few basic, low-cost steps. You can read
the brochure on their Web site at www.centerforhealthyhousing.org.

There are also many local resources for making your home safer.

Here are 10 suggestions from local and national experts to make
your home healthier this summer:

Full story here...

Saving energy - 101 ways to save

2005-06-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

Saving energy equals saving money. It could also mean
saving the environment. Check out these 101 ways of saving.

Home Reno Plans: Value Added Or Value Subtracted?

2005-06-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Canadians' ongoing love affair with renovating their homes
is alive and well, with more than $20 billion being spent every
year since the new Millennium. But how do you know what
improves your home's value, and what might make it harder to sell?

Here are some tips that might make the decisions a little easier:

1.Develop short-term and long-term goals: If you will be at your
house for less than five years, you might want to forgo the addition
to your home and simply repaint, or install new windows or floor
treatments.

2.Don't use a renovation just to express yourself: Don't expect
prospective buyers to pay for your wonderful, but unique taste—
you might love a pink and black marble en suite, but not everyone will.

3.Stay in character: When planning your renovations, try to match
the neighbourhood aesthetics. Ask yourself if mini-Windsor Castle
touches work well in your post-war housing neighbourhood.

4.Become a Do-It-Yourself-er: Hardware and home renovation
shops often have project seminars to show you how to get the job
done properly. Many stores also have in-house experts who can
give you advice, should you need it.

5.Consider professionals: Professional architects, contractors and
designers know the quirks of your local zoning regulations. You don't
want your garage conversion shut down because you don't have the
correct permits.

6.Financing: If your project exceeds your cash on hand, there are
many financing options available including small loans and larger
mortgages. Consider taking out a line of credit to help you get the
job done properly and see it through to completion. One of the most
innovative home equity lines of credit available is Manulife One,
offered by Manulife Bank.

To find out how Manulife One can help you with your home
improvements visit http://www.manulifeone.com/ or call
1-877-626-8111 (1-877-MANU111).
- News Canada

About The Author
News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use
copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio,
and the Web. News Canada is a niche service in public relations,
offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet
media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and
analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies
access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public,
and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news,
consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-
use formats and are made available to every Canadian media
organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and
commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web
sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more
about the NC services.

Declutter Your Home in 11 Easy Steps

2005-06-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of organizing your home?
Start on a smaller scale instead and it will be a whole lot easier.
For example, instead of starting with the entire house, commit
to starting with one room. Follow these 11 steps, and you're
well on your way to an organized home:

1. PICK A ROOM -- ANY ROOM.
Decide on what room to start on. Write it at the top of an
8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper. This will be your Action Sheet.
Example: BEDROOM A

2. CHOOSE AN ENTICING REWARD.
Designate an appropriate reward to give yourself on the
Dumping portion of the job. The reward concept serves as
your motivation, so be sure to choose something that you'd
really enjoy! Write this reward on your Action Sheet.
Example: Treat yourself to a massage or go out for a nice
dinner -- whatever it is that you love to do. Write it on your
Action Sheet.

3. SET A DEADLINE.
Set a specific Dumping Completion Deadline for this one room.
Write it on your Action Sheet. Example: DUMPING
DEADLINE: APRIL 30

4. SCHEDULE TIME TO DUMP.
Schedule 3 specific dumping dates (one hour for each).
Hopefully this will be enough to complete the dumping portion
of the job. Write it on your Action Sheet. Then, post the Action
Sheet in a prominent place where you are certain to see it
every day, like your bathroom mirror. It will serve as a
reminder of your goal, deadline and pending reward. Example:
DUMPING DATES: APRIL 18 from 8-9A, APRIL 21 from
8-9A, APRIL 24 from 8-9A

5. KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENT.
When the 1st dumping day arrives, keep that appointment,
just as you would any other important appointment. Bring a
bunch of large garbage bags. Play your favorite music in the
background.

6. TIME IT.
Set a timer for 1 Hour -- one that sounds off when the hour is up.

7. SORT THROUGH IT.
Pick up one item at a time, and start dumping. (If you come
across items you want to give to charity, designate a special
bag for those items) Whatever you are going to keep, just put
to one side of the room.

8. DO IT UNTIL THE TIME IS UP.
Continue doing this until the timer goes off. If you prefer to
continue, keep going. Otherwise, stop and follow the same
procedures for your next two scheduled dates. Don't let the
garbage bags sit there. Make sure they are thrown out now
(or donated), or on Garbage Day at the latest.

9. CELEBRATE.
Once you've managed to dump everything you don't want
or need in that one room, it's time to celebrate. Take
advantage of that reward you designated.

10. KEEPING IT ORGANIZED.
Now that everything in that room that you wanted dumped
is gone, you're ready to begin putting everything you are
keeping back in an organized manner. Be very careful not to
put anything else in this room that you don't want.

11. REPEAT.
Repeat this process for each of the other rooms in your house.

Maria Gracia, owner of www.getorganizednow.com and author
of the book, 'Finally Organized, Finally Free' can help you
organize your home, your office and your life. Visit her Web site
at: http://www.getorganizednow.com/
getorgnow@wi.rr.com

Feng Shui and Color

2005-06-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

More about feng shui and colors....

Every color affects ch'i energy differently, and because of this
colors are believed to be related to yin/yang and the five
elements. Color can be used to maintain, calm and enhance a
specific ch'i energy. Red, for example, is the most yang color
and is linked with fire energy and the ch'i energy of the west.

The Feng Shui Path to Healthy Finances

2005-06-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

Are you stressed out about this week’s tax deadline? You are
definitely not alone. But as you cull through receipts at your
kitchen table--spilling tea on your computer keyboard or
tripping over notes to your tax preparer--look around. The
source of your problems might be right in front of you.
Your kitchen.

Carpet Tips: Make Your Carpet Last Longer

2005-06-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

In this article we outline some tips to help you get more life
out of your carpet.

1. Rearrange Your Furniture
It is good to move your furniture from time to time to change
the traffic pattern in your house. Your carpet is worn down
faster where people walk.

2. Vacuum Regularly
Dirt helps wear down the fibers in your carpet. Vacuum regularly
and place a welcome mat at your home's entrances. Also consider
a "no shoes" policy. High traffic areas can often use vacuuming
once a day while low traffic areas can be vacuumed a couple of
times a week.

3. Area Rugs
Depending on how your house is laid out you may have some
areas that will have high traffic regardless of how your furniture
is arranged. Consider a area rugs in these locations.

4. Don't Let Dirt In
Keep the walk ways leading to your house clean. This will cut
down on the amount of dirt that is tracked into your house.

5. Shampoo Rugs
Shampoo rugs at least once a year. Consult your manufacturers
specifications for what type of cleaning equipment and/or
detergents are appropriate for your type of carpet.

6. Spill Awareness
Treat spills quickly for the best chance of avoiding a stain.
If you have kids, make sure they know that they need to tell
you about spills immediately so they do not have time to set.

7. Snip Loose Threads
To remove a loose thread that sticks up above the fibre use
scissors to snip it instead of pulling on it which can pull out
more than just the thread.

8. Designate Eating Areas
Many spills can introduce oils into your carpet which attract
dirt and help lead to a dingy looking carpet. The less you eat
in carpeted areas the better your chances are of avoiding
these types of spills.

The cleaner you can keep your carpet the longer it will last.
Hopefully these tips help you get more life out of your carpet.

About The Author
Published by ThriftyFun.com, home of the Daily Thrifty Tips
newsletter. Send email to dailythrifty-on@thriftyfun.com
to subscribe.
For more information visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/
fisher0swanson@yahoo.com

Carpet Takes Center Stage

2005-06-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

(NC)—From soft, layered intricate vine and floral designs to
multi-levelled patchwork weaves to tailored ribs, geometric
loops and lattices to nubby, terry-like twists, there are more
than 200 styles and 4,000 colours of wall-to-wall carpet on
the market today. "The unique and innovative patterns,
textures, and colours that are available today, resulting from
the latest fibre and manufacturing technologies, offer endless
home styling options and are taking the spotlight at every floor
show", says Leslie Beaumont, from Beaulieu Canada, Canada's
largest carpet manufacturer.

Designers are now selecting carpet to create the focus in an
overall room design scheme, rather than treating it simply
as a neutral backdrop to other furnishings. Modern carpet
textures offer architectural interest to the floor with height
variation, sculptured effects and shadowing, and are the
perfect contrast to smooth wall and furniture surfaces.

Contemporary organic patterns coordinate easily with other
interior upholstery and drapery fabrications. Even a choice
of a subtle design will create interest underfoot and a look
that is sophisticated, neutral and pleasing to the eye.
Visit the web site http://www.yourhomestyle.ca/ for
carpet decorating tips and trends using texture and colour.

For practical consideration, texture and patterned carpet are
popular for minimizing soil and vacuum marks and increasing
the perception of quality and value. Besides being the perfect
design medium, no other flooring choice surpasses wall-to-wall
carpet for comfort, warmth, sound-proofing, performance, and
price.

As life gets more hectic, we strive to make our homes the perfect
oasis and surround ourselves with what we like. The trend is to
make our homes softer, simpler, and more liveable, and we are
expressing ourselves and our own individuality through colour,
texture and pattern. To transform a space, designers start from
the floor up.

Carpet has evolved to become a valuable, infinitely pliant design
tool, and is becoming the latest trend, and a key element in the
interior design process for any room.

- News Canada
About The Author
News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-
use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print,
Radio, and the Web.
News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering
access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media,
with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis
are two more of our primary services. The service supplies
access to the national media for marketers in the private, the
public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and
product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in
a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to
every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily
newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio
stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often.
Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Art and Design

2005-05-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Maybe you’ve faced it before – a new house with an empty
room or two. This room is just crying out for some furniture.
So off you go to purchase a sofa you admire - then a chair.
Or perhaps you purchase a full living room set complete with
tables and rugs. With delivery a few weeks off you can just
picture your living room (and not surprisingly, it looks just
like the showroom). The delivery day arrives and you can’t
wait to cut the tags off of your new furnishings. You may have
to position the sofa a few times to get it just so, but all in all,
you’re pretty satisfied – until you notice there’s no art on the
wall. And so you decide to buy some art that matches the sofa.
I cringe a little while I write this, but in reality that is how many
of us choose art. In fact, little confession, I still have art in my
house that I bought because the frames matched!

If you have also considered buying art in an afterthought,
you’re not alone. We have all been taught that accessories finish
off a room. In fact, if you’ve ever watched a design show, you’ll
notice that some professional designers decide on the art once
fabric, furniture and rugs have been selected. So maybe we’ve
all been brainwashed to believe that filling our space with art
doesn’t require much planning – just the ability to carry a
swatch of fabric to a store. Well, just for a moment, I’d like you
to think about your art and why you might acquire it sooner
rather than later.

Art inspires creativity. First choose art that appeals to you,
and then let your furniture and accessory purchases be
influenced by the art you have selected. This shift in view-
point allows for freedom of expression. Through the process
of seeking out new art, and finding something you’d like to
live with, you open your mind to all the new possibilities.
Perhaps an abstract piece of art inspires you to consider an
eclectic collection of furniture instead of a uniform suite.
Maybe art with cool beach tones allows you to consider that
slip covered furniture with a nautical appeal. Or a tropical
print encourages you to use a hand-painted floorcloth in vivid
hues in your new artistically inspired room.

Consider also the structural elements in your room. Many
living areas have unique architectural details that historically
have been used to display important art. By only focusing on
furniture placement or accessorizing, you may lose sight of
some of your home’s great details. If the architectural details
are not what they once were, before you rip it out, liven it up.
Apply a mosaic design or faux finish to your fireplace surround.
When you’re thinking about changing things break out of the
familiar and experiment with your creativity.

For some creative inspiration, find the nearest child.
Generally, young children are much more free to express
themselves than some adults, and when it comes to design,
I can say from experience that they’ll have their own unique
opinions on what goes in their rooms. Take a cue from your
child’s artwork when you design their rooms. This way they
are more inclined to love it when you’re done. Gather together
several of their favorite paintings or sketches, and note their
favorite color, or emerging themes. You can copy these same
themes through painted fabric, a wall mural, unique stained
glass for the window, a floorcloth or even a quilted wall hanging.
Don’t forget to frame and hang the original artwork that
inspired their new design.

So set out to design your living spaces with art as forethought.
You will appreciate the art for what it adds to the overall
project as well as the positive feeling you experience when you
see it. And then you may begin to wonder why you ever tried
to buy art that matches that pillow with the odd purple color.
Happy art collecting!

About The Author
Lise Richards is an Artistic Lifestylist and owner of The
Creativity Center, Inc and Red Door Gallery. Her Artistic
Lifestyling program helps all people live more creatively in
artistically designed spaces. Visit the company online at
http://www.artisticlifestyling.com/
information@artisticlifestyling.com

Five Tips For Garden Sanctuaries

2005-05-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

The design of your garden has an amazing affect on your family’s health
and well-being. Here is how you can create harmony in your garden—
which is considered a living entity—and bring peace and happiness within
your home.

Vastu Shastra is an environmental science written about some 7,000 –
10,000 years ago in India by rishis, or men of great wisdom. They
observed the workings of Nature and recorded how different rays of the
sun, the magnetic poles, the makeup of the land, soil, slope, structures,
etc., affected all living things.

It is the oldest recorded architectural treatise known to man and it is
from this science that some of the world’s most enduring structures have
been created.

According to the science of Vastu Shastra, all five elements (earth, water,
fire, air and space) need to be in harmony. When a seed is planted, it
requires that all five elements be balanced for a seed to germinate, sprout
and become a strong, healthy plant. The disproportion of any one element—
whether it is the quality of the earth (soil ph), the amount and quality of
water, wind (air), sun (fire), or the amount of space it is planted in—will
inhibit its growth. In this way a wise gardener sets up a balanced
environment for his plants to grow free from disease and stress.

Briefly, each area of your garden is associated with one of the five
elements. The earth element is associated with the south- west area of
your garden and creates a sustaining and grounding force. In the north-
east, the water element is at home. This element allows plants to flourish.
The fire element in the southeast supports disease-free plants. The north-
west is related to the air element encouraging cross-pollination. The space
element is associated with the central area of your garden, enhancing the
flow of beneficial influences that nourishes the other elements. Positive
magnetic energies coming from the north and the positive solar energies
coming from the east promote harmony and balance.

Here are five great steps you can use to bring the five elements into balance
within your garden and make it a sanctuary that is not only beautiful to look
and wonderful to spend time in, but will actually have an empowering affect
on the health and well-being of you and your family.

1. Build up the southwest area of your garden to produce the stabilizing
force of the earth element. You can do this with a rock garden, tall trees
and even a stone statue. This will help to collect and hold the positive solar
and magnetic energies coming from the east and north. Since yellow is the
color associated with the southwest, choose daffodils, roses or wisteria to
accentuate this area. This is also a good place for a storage or tool shed.

2. Represent the water element by using low plantings in the northeast
that will allow the flow of positive solar energy. Add a fountain or reflection
pool or pond in this area to reflect this beneficial energy throughout the
garden. Herbs, white pansies or geraniums can be used as accents.

3. Add a barbeque or a fire pit in the southeast as your fire element. Red
symbolizes this direction so plant tulips, geraniums and dahlias here.

4. Use wind chimes to balance the air element in the northwest. Since blue
is the color of this area, plant bluebells, forget-me-nots and iris to enhance
the influences coming from this direction.

5. Represent the space element by an open area in the middle of your
garden. It can either be a patio or grass. Finally, by keeping your garden
neat and tidy you will be maintaining balance and attracting the positive
influence of each of the directions.

A well-designed and tended garden, using the principles of Vastu Shastra,
will benefit you and all the members of your family for years to come. By
reconnecting with the natural balance inherent in the environment, you will
encourage better personal health, improve the quality of relationships and
enhance well-being.

About The Author
Michael and Robin Mastro's synergistic approach successfully assists
people in living in peace and harmony with themselves and others, and in
creating balanced lives filled with unlimited possibilities.
Visit us at http://www.vastucreations.com/

A Comfortable Sofa For Your Home!

2005-05-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

A soft, plush sofa can be so inviting...even if you're visiting in
someone else's home.

Sofas can really make a home comfortable and relaxing. Sofas
come in a variety of styles such as sectional sofas, leather sofas
and sleeper sofas. One of the first things both you and your
guests will notice, each time they come into your home, is how
comfortable and relaxing the furniture looks. Well chosen sofas
will help to give your home furnishings the elegance and style
you want.

Sofas are generally referred to as stuffed, padded, and spring-
cushioned furniture. Sofas are also defined by the decorative
materials and fabrics that cover them. The first furniture
upholstery was probably leather, stretched on without padding.

Italian Renaissance chairs were cushioned with leather, velvet,
or embroidery; the French made ornate chairs covered with
tapestries and embroideries; England developed upholstery in
Elizabethan and Jacobean reigns. The use of springs is
comparatively modern. Hair, fiber, flock, foam rubber, down,
and kapok are used for padding in modern upholstery, and
woven fabrics, plastics, leather, and synthetic leather serve as
coverings.

There are thousands and thousands of sofas, sectional sofas and
other home furnishings to choose from over the internet. Choose
from only the best sofas representatives who offer quality,
elegance, quick delivery to your home and, of course, great
prices!

About The Author
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-furniture-4u.com/
mjy610@hotmail.com

How to control Ants Without Poison

2005-05-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Ants are pests in the house. In the home common ants aren't
harmful but they are a nuisance. There are many natural
repellants which can be used to discourage ants from kitchen
counters, pantries, and other areas where food lures them in.

As a first step try to prevent the ants from entering the house.
Use less chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the lawn and
gardens. These cause an imbalance in the biological makeup of
the soil. Stressed soil and plants attract ants.

Many species of ants like to drink honeydew from aphids.
If good control of aphids in plants and gardens near houses is
exercised, ants will be less numerous. Ants seem to dislike
spearmint, tansy, and pennyroyal. Plant these near the house
to keep ants away. Sweet fern is particularly disliked by red ants.

A simple recipe to repel ants can be made by adding to an eight
ounce bottle of mild liquid soap one ounce each of citronella,
pennyroyal, peppermint, cinnamon, rose and tea oil. Mix
together and add three tablespoons to two cups of water. Spray
where ants are entering the house. This the formula can be used
to wash down counters in the kitchen but only use one-half
tablespoon to two cups of water.

Spray trash and recycling bins if ants are a problem there.
For anthills near the house pour boiling water into the nest.
Once ants have entered the house, other measures have to be
taken.

Pennyroyal, tansy, and mint leaves scattered on surfaces
where ants are found can be used as a deterrent. Bay leaves
broken in small pieces is also helpful.

Some people have found a mixture of the following ingredients
helpful in repelling ants. One cup water, one- fourth cup plus
one tablespoon hot sauce,, one-fourth cut liquid soap, and one
teaspoon spearmint of peppermint flavoring. Put in a spray
bottle and spray where ants enter the house.

Washing down counters with an equal solution of vinegar and
water is repulsive to ants. Powdered cloves or red pepper
sprinkled on surface where ants are found serves as an excellent
repellant. Ants are extremely fastidious and will not return to
where these hot spices can get on their feet and antennae.

If it's not too inconvenient, sticky fly paper placed in strategic
areas will capture crawling ants. Perhaps one of the most
unusual substances used that discourages ants from pantry
shelves are broken egg shells.

Lastly, clean up all food after eating for it is the crumbs that
attracts the ants.

For more ways to control ants visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/antcontrol.htm
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature,
animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and
reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Keywords: ants, control, poison, organic, pest, garden
About the AuthorMarilyn Pokorney, Ord, NE USAmarilynp@nctc.net mailto:USAmarilynp@nctc.net
http://www.apluswriting.net/

Tips on Budget Decorating

2005-05-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in
decorating. It requires a little bit of planning, creativity, and
patience.

If you are like me, sometimes you wish you could be a genie and
wiggle your nose and **poof** it's done. However, that takes
away from all the fun! Follow these tips and you'll have a home
that looks like a page out of your favorite magazine!

*Visit Furniture Showrooms
Make notes of styles of furniture you like. Also, take note of
colors and fabrics that create a "warm" feeling inside of you.
By visiting showrooms you can get an idea of the new trends
and styles.

*Browse Through Decorating Magazines
Magazines are a source of inspirational ideas. Create a scrapbook
of magazine clippings and refer to your book when shopping for
your home.

*Shop Second-Hand Stores
One person's trash is another person's treasure can never be
so true. One place to look is the classifieds in your local newspaper.
I have found great deals on furniture in thrift stores and auctions.
Don't worry if an item is not in the best of shape. A coat of paint
will work wonders for some furniture. Slipcovers can update an
old couch or chair.

*Color! Color! Color!
To create a dramatic, inexpensive change to your home, paint the
walls a new color or buy new curtains. Keep in mind the moods
that colors can create.

*Create Your Own Art
For me, one of the best parts of decorating is creating my own
original works of art to hang on the walls. It could be as simple
as collecting leaves when they have turned colors and creating
a picture collage. A nice frame makes any work of art look
classy. Take a drawing, photography or painting class at your
local community college. Gain inspiration by browsing through
art books at your local library or bookstore. If you're into black
and white photos, but do not want to pay the high price for this
type of art, buy a book or calendar of your favorite photographer
and frame the pictures.

*Shop Discount Stores
Thank God for discount stores! This place will save you a ton of
money on accessories. You will find little treasures such as
candle holders, candles, potpourri, and knick knacks for very
little money. Who will ever know?

*Be Patient!
Take your time and shop during sales. Decorating should be fun.
Remember, Rome was not built in a day!

About The Author
Maria Palma is a writer, painter, jewelry designer, interior
decorator, and real estate consultant based in San Diego,
California. She received her degree in Psychology from
California State University, Chico, but realized that she wanted
to pursue her artistic passions. She has two websites:
Salon de Maria (http://www.salondemaria.info), which
showcases her art, and Home Solutions
(http://www.homesolutionssandiego.com/), a resource for real
estate and home decorating in the San Diego area.

10 Feng Shui Tips for a Better Life

2005-05-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ever walked into a house that felt like home? Ever reminisced
about the best year of your life, and wondered why everything
came together for you? It could be Feng Shui.

Simply put, Feng Shui is about creating a harmonious
environment. It’s the ancient Chinese Science and Art of
placement, intended to improve our health, harmony, longevity,
career and wealth.

Pronounced, “Fung Shway”, it was a jealously guarded secret
for thousands of years. Now, the benefits of Feng Shui can be
enjoyed by anyone. In fact, Feng Shui is a part of everyday life
for many Australian businesses, home owners, decorators, and
architects.

June from June Turner Designs and Lifestyles has been an
expert Feng Shui practitioner for 13 years. “Feng Shui can be
simple or involved – whatever you’re comfortable with.

Decorate a room or buy a home that is perfect for your family.”
The key is energy (or Qi “Chee”). June offers ten quick tips
that can improve the flow, transformation, and containment
of Qi in your life:

1) Remove shoes before entering a home. Don’t take your
problems in with you.

2) Cook at least one meal a day and eat at the table as a family.

3) Never have knives on show – even in a block.

4) Always sit or stand facing the door (or its reflection).

5) Keep the toilet lid down and bathroom and laundry doors
closed.

6) Don't sleep under white blankets or doonas.

7) Don't sleep with your feet facing the bedroom door.

8) Don't sleep next to the wall that has the metre box on it.

9) If your front door is in line with a tree or the door of the
house opposite, place a Ba Gua mirror above the outside of
the door.

10) Never have a Ba Gua mirror in the house. They are far
too powerful.

It’s no coincidence that some of these tips are just common
sense. You’ve probably been practising Feng Shui for years
without even knowing it!

According to June, “this is just the tip of the iceberg. Just a
few little changes can make the world of difference. But most
solutions are specific to the individual.”

For more information, contact June Turner Designs and
Lifestyles on Sydney (02)43992018.
About The Author
Glenn Murray heads advertising copywriting studio Divine Write.
He can be contacted on Sydney +612 4334 6222 or
at glenn@divinewrite.com. Visit http://www.divinewrite.com/
for further details or more FREE articles.

Choosing the Right Wallpaper

2005-05-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

There is literally thousands of different colors, different patterns
even different types of wallpaper. How do you know which color,
or which pattern will suit it’s surroundings the best? Read on,
and you will have a good idea!

Color / Pattern
- This for the most part is a personal chose; However there are
simple things you can do to choose a color/pattern that will
actually work. If you like the hot pink wallpaper and the rest of
your house is done in marble I would recommend shying away
from your personal preference and going with something that is
going to last and add value to your home not take away from it.

There are several guides that can help you pick colors that
match it’s surroundings and that fit in. A simple rule is choose
like color’s and tones. For example if your thinking green, and
the opposite wall is maroon. Choose a green that is the same tone
as the maroon. Don’t pick like glossy shiny green, when the
maroon is a dull light shade.

Types
- Several different types of wallpaper exist, and a lot of this
choice is going to depend on it’s application, and your budget.
For example Vinyl wallpaper is very durable and is perfect
for rooms like kitchens and bathrooms as it can be scrubbed,
and will not hold stains.

Vinyl-Coated Wallpaper is just like Vinyl Wallpaper however
it is not quite as durable and will hold stains. Can you see how
the difference between these two styles is going to make a big
difference in placement. You might think that having a really
expensive custom wallpaper in your kitchen is desirable but
when your toddler flings some spaghetti sauce on it, and it
stains, you are going to be wishing you had chosen something
more practical.

This is only meant to be a rough educational guide on
wallpapers. There are several aspects of wallpapers that I
didn’t cover. I recommend talking to a professional at a
wallpaper store, when it comes time to re-decorate your house.
Make sure to ask lots of questions as wallpapers will last time
if chosen wisely.

--
Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Wallpapers Area
Which is a great web directory and information center on
Wallpapers and related topics like wall finishing’s and covering.

Keywords: Wallpaper, wall paper, paint, interior design, interior
decorating, color, bedroom, house

Decorating Tips: The Meaning of Colors

2005-05-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

Colors have many different meanings. Have you ever been in a
blue room, feeling calm and relaxed, and then walked into a red
room and you began to feel chatty and excited? The change in
your mood wasn't just coincidence - it was an actual
psychological and physiological response to the colors of the
rooms.

When you are planning to decorate your home, the colors of
your rooms should be one of your first considerations. You
want to choose colors that you're not only comfortable with, but
also colors that will create the right types of moods for both you
and your guests in each room.

Let's start with some of the more common colors: Blue is a
calming, relaxing color. The color is good for bedrooms but can
destroy the mood in a dining room as it serves as an appetite
represent. Combined with green, blue exudes a natural
atmosphere in a room. For centuries, green has been
representative of life and birth, but on the flip side, it has been
known for jealousy and inexperience. Like blue, green is a
relaxing color. The color symbolizes a certain harmony both in
the world and in life.

Red on the other hand, is an appetite and conversation
stimulant. Red is a fiery color that at times represents both
hatred and passion. Red also represents power; thus the use
of it for celebrities on the red carpet and red ties for powerful
executives.

Yellow is also a powerful color. Since yellow is the color of
sunshine, it has a happy, uplifting aura. However, yellow can
also be the color of melancholy and cowardice. Carefully pick
the hue of your paint and decorations, noting the feelings you
get in the presence of those colors.

Pink is a soft color often used in the decorations and room decor
for little girls. Psychological studies have actually shown that
this color causes physical weakness in people. Orange is a
mixture of red and yellow, so it has all the warmth and comfort
of those colors. Some oranges - such as the color of pumpkins
and fall leaves - is a stimulant and good for use in the dining
room.

Purple has always been a special color, representing royalty and
spirituality. Purple is known for stimulating creativity in small
doses, but large amounts of purple can cause depression and
moodiness.

Considering the meanings of the different colors is an important
part of decorating your room. You should consider both the
way the colors make you feel - for example, if you fell in a vat
of yellow paint when you were little, yellow is probably not a
cheerful color for you - but you should also take into account
the way that it will make your guests feel. Using blue in your
dining area will likely suppress your visitors' appetites, and
despite how much you may love the color for your dining area,
you should consider their needs and desires as well.

For more home decorating and decor tips, ideas, articles, and
gorgeous decor accents and accessories for your home - visit
The Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network
@DIYHomeDecorating.com.

About the Author

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article may be freely
published on any website, as long as the author, copyright,
website address and link, and this notice are left intact.

10 Minute Tricks to Help You Get Organized

2005-05-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Whoever thought you'd be able to get organized in just
10 minutes?! Here are a few simple ideas.

1. 10 MINUTE CHORE BOX:
Rather than spending hours organizing, and doing it all yourself,
create a 10 minute Chore Box for yourself--and one for each
family member, if applicable.

Each person's box would contain specific chores or tasks that
need to be completed. The chores are written on slips of paper,
and take a maximum of 10 minutes each to accomplish.

You can gear the tasks towards the person's abilities (e.g. while
older kids can help out with vacuuming, a 3 year old may
instead be responsible for putting away his/her toys.)

Each day, as a chore is completed, that slip of paper is placed in
a holding envelope until the Chore Box is empty. Then, when
empty, the boxes are refilled, and the system starts over again.
This also works well at the office!

2. 10 MINUTE PICK-UP:
Control the chaos. Schedule a consistent, '10 minute Pick-up'
each night. Set a timer to sound an alarm in 10 minutes.

While the clock is ticking, all family members are responsible for
clearing out and putting away their belongings from the main
family area.

When the timer sounds, you're all done. Give yourselves a warm
round of applause for all you've accomplished.

3. 10 MINUTE 'WHEN I HAVE TIME' GOALS:
One of the oldest phrases in the book is, 'I'll do that, when I have
the time.' Problem is, that time never seems to come.

If you REALLY want to do something, the time can generally be
found pretty easily. For example, if you just won an all-expenses
paid trip to the land of your dreams, you'd probably find time to
fit it into your busy schedule without much of a problem.

So, it's time to begin fitting in those things you want to do, and
10 Minute Goals can help. Schedule 10 minutes a day to catch up
on your reading, or to begin learning that foreign language, or to
simply spend having fun with your children. Then, work on those
goals when the schedule date and time rolls around.

4. 10 MINUTE LUXURIES:
Don't forget to schedule a few 10 Minutes Luxuries per day to
do something nice for yourself.

Sometimes the day is so rushed and chaotic, that it's easy to
forget the really important things like family, health, spirituality,
personal time and so on.

Take that 10 minute vacation every day. You deserve it!

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now! -
http://www.getorganizednow.com

About The Author
Maria Gracia, owner of http://www.getorganizednow.com/ and author
of the book, 'Finally Organized, Finally Free' can help you
organize your home, your office and your life.

Buying Home Appliances The Smart Way

2005-05-11T23:28:00.000-07:00

When you add up all the money that you can spend on home appliances
and fixtures it becomes obvious that you need to spend wisely and
carefully to keep costs under control. These items tend to be some of the
larger ticket purchases around the home and lots of money can be wasted
if buying isn't done properly.

One of the most important suggestions for buying appliances and fixtures
the smart way is to decide before you begin shopping exactly how much
money you wish to spend, or what will fit in your budget. Surprisingly, this is
often not done until the customer is already in the store. Unfortunately, the
heart often takes over when looking over the latest high-tech gadgets and
features on the item being considered and results in the purchase of a much
more expensive item than is truly needed. So take some time to decide
exactly what your spending limit is before you even begin to shop and then
stick to your guns on that decision all the way through the buying process.

It's also a good idea to research your buy before you start looking at actual
products themselves. These days there are many consumer publications
that help you make a wise choice on a broad range of consumer items,
including home appliances and fixtures. They extensively test the major
brands and give their unbiased opinions on a wide variety of features and
issues related to each product. This is valuable information that can't be
had almost anywhere else, so take good advantage of it. You can find most
of these publications available for free at your local library. This kind of
research will also help you decide in advance exactly which features are
most important to you and which should be avoided as unnecessary
expenses, in other words, invest your hard-earned money into essentials
not features. Always opt for better quality over more features too.

Don't just assume that buying locally is the smartest move either.
Sometimes, the same item can be found online at a much lower price
than is possible locally and you can often even avoid sales tax on an
online purchase too. Be careful though and determine how much
installation is needed for any item you make and factor installation
costs in with any purchase that doesn't include those costs in the
purchase price.

It may seeem like a simple thing, but be sure to measure very carefully
to determine that the item you want to buy will fit in the space that you
have designated for it in your home. Surprisingly, this is something that is
often overlooked until the delivery of the product and can result in plenty
of unnecessary aggravation. Just get the measuring tape out in advance
and know the space required to save this headache from happening to you.

Finally, consider the warranty on the items you want to buy. Be sure to ask
questions in advance so that you know what the warranty will cover and
how long it will last. Also, will you have to send the appliance out to be
repaired under warranty or is home repair covered under the warranty
contract?

If you follow these simple, effective guidelines, buying home appliances
and fixtures will be a breeze and you will make smart purchases that will
last and give you good service for many years.

About The Author
Duane Lipham is the senior editor of http://www.kitchens.dlbws.com
where you can find free information and advice on kitchen design and
finding the right kitchen products and appliances at the lowest price possible.

10 Tips for Working With a Contractor

2005-05-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

Planning on hiring a contractor for a home improvement job?
Here's a good article on 10 tips for Working With a Contractor.

This is the year you're going all out. You're going to build a deck,
add a porch, erect a gazebo or lay a patio. You've done the research.
It's well within your capability and you're looking forward to the
satisfaction of creating a structure of beauty.

Or not. Yes -- you'd like to proceed with an outdoor structure but
for you, it isn't a do-it-yourself project. How can you find the right
person to do it for you? Here are 10 tips for hiring and working with
a contractor.

1. Plan your project carefully. Clip pictures, make sketches, write a
description. This will help you accurately convey to the contractor what
you want the finished product to be.

2. Make a list of contractors. Ask your neighbors or friends for the
names of reputable tradesmen. Contact material suppliers -- lumberyards,
for example -- and ask for recommendations.

3. Get at least three written bids for the project, but don't give in to the
temptation to automatically accept the lowest bid. A higher bid may be
worth the price in better materials, workmanship and reliability. If you
get a very low bid, the contractor may have made a mistake or forgotten
to bid on everything you wanted. If they have deliberately low-bid, they
may use cheaper materials or take shortcuts to make a profit.

4. Many states and provinces require registration and/or licensing.
For the USA, www.nationalcontractors.com provides a starting point
for your state and type of construction. Click on Verify Contractors
License. If licences are required in your jurisdiction, be certain to ask
to see your contractor's licences and be sure that it's not expired.

5. Ask for references and then check them out. Look at the projects
and ask the previous clients if they are satisfied with the quality of
work done, if it was started and completed on schedule and if it is
complete.

6. Get a signed, written contract and be sure you understand it.
The Construction Contractors Board of Oregon claims that the single
biggest cause of homeowner-contractor disputes is the written
contract: not having one, having a poor one, or having one everyone
ignores. A good contract should include:

- The company name, address (not a post office box) & phone number,
the name of the builder, contractor and licence number, if applicable

- A detailed project description

- A materials list

- A statement that all necessary permits and inspections are the
responsibility of the contractor

- Starting and completion dates

- Warranties of workmanship, the length of the warranty, and
specifically what's covered and what's not

- Contractor's guarantee that he carries liability insurance and
worker's compensation coverage

- A statement that clean-up will be done by the contractor

- The total price and payment schedule

o Be wary of hourly, time and materials or cost-plus pricing where
the final price is not determined until completion of the project.
Although it may seem higher, a fixed price may give you the best
protection and price.

o Be cautious about upfront payments for more than 15% of the
contract price.

o The schedule and criteria for each instalment should be clearly
defined in the contract.

o Any instalments should be not be required on a certain date, but
correlated to work completion.

o Do not pay cash. A reputable builder will ask for a check.

7. Make any changes to the project in writing with a "work order change"
to avoid misunderstandings and surprises.

8. Keep pets and children away from the construction site. This will ensure
not only their safety, but also that of the workers. In addition, it helps keep
the project on schedule.

9. Inspect the work regularly.

10. Pay directly and promptly according to the contract.

Above all, you should feel comfortable communicating with your contractor.
If you sense he is being evasive when you are getting a quote, it won't get
any better during the construction period. Find someone you understand
and who understands you, and who is open and forthright.

Working with a contractor takes a little preparation, but following these
steps is well worth it. Are you looking forward to your new outdoor space?

About The Author
Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to
helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them.
Visit her on the web at http://www.paradiseporch.com/ and get a free report on
“Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”.
Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

10 Home Decorating Ideas To Quickly Update Any Room

2005-05-09T22:38:00.000-07:00

Not all home decorating ideas require a heavy investment of time
and money. If you're looking for a few affordable home interior
decorating ideas to freshen up a room over a weekend, try these ten:

1. Rearrange The Furniture- Pull your furniture away from the walls.
Try positioning it at intriguing angles. For example, a sofa arranged
diagonally across a narrow living room will make the room look wider.

2. Paint A Wall- Paint one wall your favorite color and make it the
focal point. Hang interesting art on that wall and move a nice piece of
furniture there. (Note: Make sure that the color is one that is shared
with several other objects and fabrics in the room.)

3. Bring In Plants- Greenery always adds a breath of fresh air to a
room. If you don't have a green thumb, try silk plants and trees. The
quality has gotten so good that its hard to distinguish them from the
real thing.

4. Lay An Area Rug- An area rug is a wonderful way of defining a
conversation area. Try one that complements the room. Lay it at an
angle beneath your coffee table.

5. Hang Pictures or Mirror- Hang pictures that reflect your personality.
Try frames that are more ornate. When hanging a mirror, try and
position it so that it reflects a nice view or an interesting architectural
element.

6. Group Figurines- Pull out your favorite collectibles. Show off your
personality. Find a display area and group related objects together, in
sets of three or five. Try and vary the shapes.

7. Add Decorative Pillows- The good news about decorative pillows is
that they are an easy way to add textures and patterns to a room.
Still better, they can be changed to jazz up a sofa or chair before your
room is ready for a major makeover.

8. Replace Lamps- Lamps are probably the one thing in your home
that will give others a clue that your room is outdated. Seek out new
and fresh lamps that make a statement.

9. Add A Throw Or Afghan- Similar to decorative pillows, throws and
afghans add texture to your furniture. They come in all kinds of natural
and man made fabrics. Find a pattern and style that you like.

10. Eliminate Clutter- Clutter has a way of eliminating the desired
mood and effect of any room. Find storage spaces for papers, toys, and
other items that take from the personality of a room.

About The Author
Michael Holland is the creator of the Web sites
http://www.kids-rooms-and-crafts.com and
http://www.home-decorating-made-easy.com/. His sites offer lots of
FREE home decorating tips and ideas.
support@kids-rooms-and-crafts.com

Welcome to "Home Improvement Ideas"

2005-05-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog of home improvement ideas. Be sure to
check back regularly for latest updates.