The first discovered carpet dates back to 1480 BC in the form of an Egyptian Fresco of handloom. Ever since, carpets have made their mark in most tastefully decorated hearths and homes. Carpets also provide an added measure of warmth and insulate against extreme heat or cold. And because a carpet is usually the foundation of decorating, covering a large quantity of the surface of our living spaces, it is an important consideration in the overall scheme of color and texture. It can provide simplicity, casualness, softness and livability; or it can provide pizzazz with vibrant color and heavier textures for making a decorating "statement." Using a carpet can be one of the easiest ways to personalize an environment - its color can be a neutral foundation "in the background," or it can be a vibrant focal point. Therefore, to find the right carpet lifestyle that fits your home, think about the way you live and the overall feel you want your home to have and you’ll invariably make the right choice.
It is rare these days to find a poor quality carpet.
The carpet industry has finally come of age with professionals ruling the roost. You can have Empire Carpets service your proud possession. Or you can drool over the innumerable designs and textures offered by Shaw Carpets – the largest carpet manufacturer in the world! And if you are a do-it-yourself guy, help yourself to carpet tiles or carpet squares to give your room that personal touch. But if ever you find yourself on cloud nine, look again – you may well be on that Mohawk Carpet!
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-interior-design-4u.com/
mjy610@hotmail.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
8 Ways Carpet Cleaning Companies Take Advantage Of You
1. Many companies that charge by the square foot will charge you for the
space under the furniture, even if they don't move any. In other words, if
your room is 12' x 12', they will charge you for 144 sq. ft. If there happens
to be furniture in the room, you could be paying 10% to 30% more than
you should be!
2. Chances of getting a novice carpet cleaning technician are pretty good,
especially if you are dealing with a larger company. Novice technicians
have an improper wand stroke, meaning they leave areas of the carpet
that have either not been cleaned or that are too wet.
3. Improper knowledge of chemicals is very common, even with experienced
carpet cleaners. Many technicians will just try one chemical after another,
until they find something that works! This is very bad because the wrong
chemical will set the stain instead of removing it, resulting in permanent
damage of your carpet, in which you will foot the bill for when you have to
replace it!
4. One thing you should never do is leave a carpet cleaning technician in
your home by his/herself. This gives them every opportunity to take short
cuts and save time, so they can fit more jobs in per day, to get paid more
money. This will also be at your expense! Unless you have had a long
personal relationship with one particular cleaner, I wouldn't do it!
5. Never agree to get scotchguard or teflon protector applied to your
carpets, unless you see the original container with the seal still intact.
Many times this will merely be tap water mixed with very little protector.
Also, a pump up sprayer is not sufficient to apply the chemical. The
water pressure needs to be at least 45psi, which can only be achieved
if they have a spray attachment hooked to the same machine they are
cleaning your carpets with. The most common is a "hydroforce sprayer."
6. Many times you will get a quoted price for carpet cleaning, but when
the cleaners arrive, you will find that the price has suddenly changed due
to conditions that weren't expected. This is an attempt for them to take more
of your hard earned money than they should. Make sure you find out what
the service includes before you agree to the cleaning.
7. More times than not, carpet cleaners use pre-sprays that void the carpet's
warranty. Most will tell you that the chemicals they use are safe, but
really are not. They use what cleans the carpet faster and saves them time.
Of course, if they void the warranty using chemicals that have ph levels that
are too high, you will not be able to replace the carpet, unless you pay out
of pocket. This applies to nylon or polyester carpet, not olefin. (berber)
8. Dry cleaning companies that vacuum, then pre-spray, and then use a bonnet
with a buffer (floor machine) to clean the carpet, only cleans the surface. So how
do they get the rest of the chemicals out of the carpet after they are done? They
don't! It stays in the carpet and sometimes yellows or browns the carpet because
of the high ph level in the pre-spray. It will also dirty the carpet faster. Steam
cleaning is the most recommended form of carpet cleaning and is also the
most effective.
Bobby Walker Internet Marketer Dallas,Texas Websites:http://www. spot-cleaning.com & http://www. homebiz365.com Direct Response Website: http://www.homebiz365.com/pips.html Email: support@homebiz365.com & support@spot-cleaning.com Phone: (972) 571-6755 Favorite Affiliate Program: http://www. googlesystem.official.ws Hobbies: Singing, bowling, playing with kids & of course, the Internet.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
space under the furniture, even if they don't move any. In other words, if
your room is 12' x 12', they will charge you for 144 sq. ft. If there happens
to be furniture in the room, you could be paying 10% to 30% more than
you should be!
2. Chances of getting a novice carpet cleaning technician are pretty good,
especially if you are dealing with a larger company. Novice technicians
have an improper wand stroke, meaning they leave areas of the carpet
that have either not been cleaned or that are too wet.
3. Improper knowledge of chemicals is very common, even with experienced
carpet cleaners. Many technicians will just try one chemical after another,
until they find something that works! This is very bad because the wrong
chemical will set the stain instead of removing it, resulting in permanent
damage of your carpet, in which you will foot the bill for when you have to
replace it!
4. One thing you should never do is leave a carpet cleaning technician in
your home by his/herself. This gives them every opportunity to take short
cuts and save time, so they can fit more jobs in per day, to get paid more
money. This will also be at your expense! Unless you have had a long
personal relationship with one particular cleaner, I wouldn't do it!
5. Never agree to get scotchguard or teflon protector applied to your
carpets, unless you see the original container with the seal still intact.
Many times this will merely be tap water mixed with very little protector.
Also, a pump up sprayer is not sufficient to apply the chemical. The
water pressure needs to be at least 45psi, which can only be achieved
if they have a spray attachment hooked to the same machine they are
cleaning your carpets with. The most common is a "hydroforce sprayer."
6. Many times you will get a quoted price for carpet cleaning, but when
the cleaners arrive, you will find that the price has suddenly changed due
to conditions that weren't expected. This is an attempt for them to take more
of your hard earned money than they should. Make sure you find out what
the service includes before you agree to the cleaning.
7. More times than not, carpet cleaners use pre-sprays that void the carpet's
warranty. Most will tell you that the chemicals they use are safe, but
really are not. They use what cleans the carpet faster and saves them time.
Of course, if they void the warranty using chemicals that have ph levels that
are too high, you will not be able to replace the carpet, unless you pay out
of pocket. This applies to nylon or polyester carpet, not olefin. (berber)
8. Dry cleaning companies that vacuum, then pre-spray, and then use a bonnet
with a buffer (floor machine) to clean the carpet, only cleans the surface. So how
do they get the rest of the chemicals out of the carpet after they are done? They
don't! It stays in the carpet and sometimes yellows or browns the carpet because
of the high ph level in the pre-spray. It will also dirty the carpet faster. Steam
cleaning is the most recommended form of carpet cleaning and is also the
most effective.
Bobby Walker Internet Marketer Dallas,Texas Websites:http://www. spot-cleaning.com & http://www. homebiz365.com Direct Response Website: http://www.homebiz365.com/pips.html Email: support@homebiz365.com & support@spot-cleaning.com Phone: (972) 571-6755 Favorite Affiliate Program: http://www. googlesystem.official.ws Hobbies: Singing, bowling, playing with kids & of course, the Internet.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
8 Simple Tips to Keep Your Lawn Mower Running
1. If you have a non-electric mower which runs on petrol or gas have a look in the instruction manual to find out how to check and change the oil. Check the oil level often, add more oil when necessary and change it when it’s dirty.
2. Store the lawn mower in a shed or in some kind of protective environment so that it isn’t sitting in the elements.
3. Check your lawn mower to see if it contains instructions for sharpening your mower blade. Some lawn mowers do encourage you to sharpen the blade and others do not. If the manual does direct you to sharpen the blade then do so frequently.
4. The best time to mow your lawn is after any dew from the night before has had time to evaporate. This means that the late afternoon is usually better than the morning as the grass cuts better when it’s dry and the humidity has left the air. Also, wet grass can cause problems with the mower and generally just makes a bigger mess!
5. Try mowing your lawn in different directions each time you mow. This will help keep your lawn healthy and will reduce the likelihood of any patterns forming over multiple sessions.
6. Make sure you keep the fuel and oil that you pour into your mower as free of foreign objects as possible. No matter what your daughter insists, her bottle of moisturizer added to the gas tank will probably not make your lawn mower run any better.
7. Take the time to clean the grass off the underside of the mower from time to time. Make sure the mower is off before you attempt to clean the underside. Make sure if you are going anywhere near the blade you disconnect the spark plug wire first.
8. Clean the air intake for the mower. Combustion (petrol or gas) engines need some type of air intake to run correctly and if the air intake on your mower is clogged with grass then the mower won’t run at peak efficiency.
About the Author
Lawn Domain offers free information, articles and tips on how to keep your lawns, mowers and tractors in tip top condition. Find out more at http://www.lawndomain.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
2. Store the lawn mower in a shed or in some kind of protective environment so that it isn’t sitting in the elements.
3. Check your lawn mower to see if it contains instructions for sharpening your mower blade. Some lawn mowers do encourage you to sharpen the blade and others do not. If the manual does direct you to sharpen the blade then do so frequently.
4. The best time to mow your lawn is after any dew from the night before has had time to evaporate. This means that the late afternoon is usually better than the morning as the grass cuts better when it’s dry and the humidity has left the air. Also, wet grass can cause problems with the mower and generally just makes a bigger mess!
5. Try mowing your lawn in different directions each time you mow. This will help keep your lawn healthy and will reduce the likelihood of any patterns forming over multiple sessions.
6. Make sure you keep the fuel and oil that you pour into your mower as free of foreign objects as possible. No matter what your daughter insists, her bottle of moisturizer added to the gas tank will probably not make your lawn mower run any better.
7. Take the time to clean the grass off the underside of the mower from time to time. Make sure the mower is off before you attempt to clean the underside. Make sure if you are going anywhere near the blade you disconnect the spark plug wire first.
8. Clean the air intake for the mower. Combustion (petrol or gas) engines need some type of air intake to run correctly and if the air intake on your mower is clogged with grass then the mower won’t run at peak efficiency.
About the Author
Lawn Domain offers free information, articles and tips on how to keep your lawns, mowers and tractors in tip top condition. Find out more at http://www.lawndomain.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
8 Lawn Care Tips for Your Garden
I'll show you 8 simple steps how you can follow extremely simple steps and procedures to maintain a spectacular landscape beauty. Here goes.
Get to know your grass.
Grass grows at their optimum growth rate at the first 6 weeks of spring. Don't abandon them without proper water, fertilization and mowing. Talking about fertilization, most of us should know that the best time to apply it is not during spring but the during the last fall. It is recommended that the best month to fertilize your lawn is in late May. The main reason why fertilizing during spring is not such a good idea due to the fact that the occurrence of top growth stimulated by the fertilization combined with the rain will create thin skinned grass which will be highly vulnerable to disease.
Know your mowing timetable.
Before you cut your grass for the first time in the spring, try changing the height of cut on your mower blade so that the grass is cut at 3", giving your grass a nice cut from a present 4 inch tall. You don't want to overcut your grass as the major food source lies in the tip and removing it simply means more food will be used to grow new tips and less food for the root.
Get a proper watering schedule.
It's pretty normal to see gardeners to rely solely on the rain for the constant water supply. But it's also not such a bad idea to turn on the sprinkler to provide sufficient water supply to your grass. Most lawns will benefit from an inch to and inch and a half of water every 7 to 10 days. You should also take into consideration of determining your watering routines from other factors such as soil variations, weather conditions and type of grasses.
Maintain your mower blade.
Trimming your grass with a blunt and unmanaged blade will cause massive water loss and makes your grass more vulnerable to diseases. Most likely, you'll end up with brown looking lawn instead of fresh greeny ones. Always try to set a fix schedule to sharpen your mowing blade from time to time.
Applying lawn care products.
Do not panic when you see weeds start growing at your lawn. Try to identify what weeds are growing and learn what harm they will inflict on your current healthy lawn. Most weeds will appear depending on different situations which stimulates its appearance and growth. The most common weed you should pay attention to is the crabgrass, which is very well known as an "annual-weed". It generally reappears every year if your lawn has a clear history of crabgrass.
Pest Control.
Control, prevent and try to reduce any pest problem you currently have. The best idea to go with is to have a multiple variety of resistant plants. A proper plant selection and placement will also help greatly. Biological, mechanical or even pesticide solutions should compliment any of your pest controlling tasks. But do bare in mind that pesticides are frequently used only as a last resort, due to its toxic nature. Lastly but not least, a good aftercare of your grass is probably the best pest control you can ever have.
Get to know your soil pH.
Try to get a few patches of dry soil from different areas of your soil and get them to go through a soil test to determine the level of pH. Most local garden centers will provide such services. It is recommended that you ascertain the type of plant you wish to plant on the collected samples of soil because certain plants will grow better at certain pH levels.
Get some renovation done.
It is funny why so many people tend to get most of their gardening routines done during the spring. Besides fertilizing your lawn, renovating your lawn during spring is not such a good idea. Simply put, removing or disturbing lawn areas during spring will encourage weeds to appear on these newly empty patches you create. As you may have guessed, the best time for reseeding and replanting activities is during late summer and early fall when less weed competition.
About the Author
Provided by the Websition Article Team where you will find free web content for you to use on your website, newsletter, or ezine, all with royalty-free reprint rights. http://www.websition.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Get to know your grass.
Grass grows at their optimum growth rate at the first 6 weeks of spring. Don't abandon them without proper water, fertilization and mowing. Talking about fertilization, most of us should know that the best time to apply it is not during spring but the during the last fall. It is recommended that the best month to fertilize your lawn is in late May. The main reason why fertilizing during spring is not such a good idea due to the fact that the occurrence of top growth stimulated by the fertilization combined with the rain will create thin skinned grass which will be highly vulnerable to disease.
Know your mowing timetable.
Before you cut your grass for the first time in the spring, try changing the height of cut on your mower blade so that the grass is cut at 3", giving your grass a nice cut from a present 4 inch tall. You don't want to overcut your grass as the major food source lies in the tip and removing it simply means more food will be used to grow new tips and less food for the root.
Get a proper watering schedule.
It's pretty normal to see gardeners to rely solely on the rain for the constant water supply. But it's also not such a bad idea to turn on the sprinkler to provide sufficient water supply to your grass. Most lawns will benefit from an inch to and inch and a half of water every 7 to 10 days. You should also take into consideration of determining your watering routines from other factors such as soil variations, weather conditions and type of grasses.
Maintain your mower blade.
Trimming your grass with a blunt and unmanaged blade will cause massive water loss and makes your grass more vulnerable to diseases. Most likely, you'll end up with brown looking lawn instead of fresh greeny ones. Always try to set a fix schedule to sharpen your mowing blade from time to time.
Applying lawn care products.
Do not panic when you see weeds start growing at your lawn. Try to identify what weeds are growing and learn what harm they will inflict on your current healthy lawn. Most weeds will appear depending on different situations which stimulates its appearance and growth. The most common weed you should pay attention to is the crabgrass, which is very well known as an "annual-weed". It generally reappears every year if your lawn has a clear history of crabgrass.
Pest Control.
Control, prevent and try to reduce any pest problem you currently have. The best idea to go with is to have a multiple variety of resistant plants. A proper plant selection and placement will also help greatly. Biological, mechanical or even pesticide solutions should compliment any of your pest controlling tasks. But do bare in mind that pesticides are frequently used only as a last resort, due to its toxic nature. Lastly but not least, a good aftercare of your grass is probably the best pest control you can ever have.
Get to know your soil pH.
Try to get a few patches of dry soil from different areas of your soil and get them to go through a soil test to determine the level of pH. Most local garden centers will provide such services. It is recommended that you ascertain the type of plant you wish to plant on the collected samples of soil because certain plants will grow better at certain pH levels.
Get some renovation done.
It is funny why so many people tend to get most of their gardening routines done during the spring. Besides fertilizing your lawn, renovating your lawn during spring is not such a good idea. Simply put, removing or disturbing lawn areas during spring will encourage weeds to appear on these newly empty patches you create. As you may have guessed, the best time for reseeding and replanting activities is during late summer and early fall when less weed competition.
About the Author
Provided by the Websition Article Team where you will find free web content for you to use on your website, newsletter, or ezine, all with royalty-free reprint rights. http://www.websition.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
8 Easy Steps to Find Your Perfect Toilet
Maybe you’re building a house, or you’re remodeling. If you’re like most folks, the toilet probably does not rate very high on your list of priorities. Still, the toilet is a key piece of a comfortable, modern, well-functioning home. Following a few straightforward steps can help you find a toilet that is right for you, both functionally and aesthetically. Remember, alltoilets are not built the same!
Step by step now, let’s examine:
1. The shape of the toilet bowl: The main choices here are an elongated bowl and a round front bowl. The round front tends to be two inches shorter, and works well for smaller spaces. The larger elongated front is more comfortable and sanitary, since there is less drip on the toilet.
2. The toilet size: There are lots of choices, with different lengths, widths and heights. Make sure you measure the space available for the toilet to ensure a comfortable fit. You also need to consider the rough-in space, which is how far the centerof the toilet bowl is from the finished wall, since this limits the size of the toilet.
3. The size of the toilet trapway: The trap way is that part of the toilet that through which the water and waste exit. The minimum standard allows waste with a diameter of 1 ฝ inches to pass through. You may want to consider looking at a larger trapway to minimize clogging problems.
4. The flushing system: In the US, by law all toilets must have a 1.6 gallon tank to conserve water. However, you do still have some choices.
• In gravity fed toilets, the weight of the water from the tank pushes the waste through an S shaped trap way, as the siphon that is created empties the bowl.
• With pressure assisted toilets, air in the tank is compressed as it fills with water. When flushing, the pressurized air pushes the water more strongly into the bowl, resulting in a better flush. Disadvantages, though, include greater noise, expense and difficulty of repairing.
5. One or two piece toilets: Two piece toilets are more common and inexpensively priced, and have a separate tank and bowl which are connected when the toilet is installed. One piece toilets have 5 or six parts that are seamlessly connected into one piece. They tend to more stylish, more expensive, easier to clean, and smaller, making them ideal for smaller spaces.
6. Maintenance features: Some toilets have features designed to make it easier to take care of them. For instance, Toto, an innovative Japanese manufacturer, has SanaGloss, a ceramic glaze which prevents bacteria and mold buildup, making the toilet easy to clean. American Standard has its EasyClean feature. Kohler has an insulated liner for some of its toilet lines, preventing moisture build-up on the outside of the tank due to condensation.
7. Appearance: while a toilet needs to work well, it also needs to look good in your bathroom. Fortunately, today’s toilets come in a huge selection of colors and sizes. Bear mind, though, that choosing a color other than white can significantly add to the toilet’s price. One approach you may to consider is to choose a toilet that is part of a bathroom suite, thus ensuring that are the fixtures are in harmony.
8. Other features: High end toilets may come with heated seats, warm air drying systems and built-in bidets, such as the Toto Washlets. Kohler Comfort Height toilets have a higher seat, making sitting down and standing easier.
There, now you have 8 steps to finding the toilet that is right for you and your loved ones!
Be sure to visit our site for even more information.
About the author:
Lukas Rathswohl is the publisher of All About Toilets at http://www.all-about-toilets.com,your one-stop source for toilet information.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Step by step now, let’s examine:
1. The shape of the toilet bowl: The main choices here are an elongated bowl and a round front bowl. The round front tends to be two inches shorter, and works well for smaller spaces. The larger elongated front is more comfortable and sanitary, since there is less drip on the toilet.
2. The toilet size: There are lots of choices, with different lengths, widths and heights. Make sure you measure the space available for the toilet to ensure a comfortable fit. You also need to consider the rough-in space, which is how far the centerof the toilet bowl is from the finished wall, since this limits the size of the toilet.
3. The size of the toilet trapway: The trap way is that part of the toilet that through which the water and waste exit. The minimum standard allows waste with a diameter of 1 ฝ inches to pass through. You may want to consider looking at a larger trapway to minimize clogging problems.
4. The flushing system: In the US, by law all toilets must have a 1.6 gallon tank to conserve water. However, you do still have some choices.
• In gravity fed toilets, the weight of the water from the tank pushes the waste through an S shaped trap way, as the siphon that is created empties the bowl.
• With pressure assisted toilets, air in the tank is compressed as it fills with water. When flushing, the pressurized air pushes the water more strongly into the bowl, resulting in a better flush. Disadvantages, though, include greater noise, expense and difficulty of repairing.
5. One or two piece toilets: Two piece toilets are more common and inexpensively priced, and have a separate tank and bowl which are connected when the toilet is installed. One piece toilets have 5 or six parts that are seamlessly connected into one piece. They tend to more stylish, more expensive, easier to clean, and smaller, making them ideal for smaller spaces.
6. Maintenance features: Some toilets have features designed to make it easier to take care of them. For instance, Toto, an innovative Japanese manufacturer, has SanaGloss, a ceramic glaze which prevents bacteria and mold buildup, making the toilet easy to clean. American Standard has its EasyClean feature. Kohler has an insulated liner for some of its toilet lines, preventing moisture build-up on the outside of the tank due to condensation.
7. Appearance: while a toilet needs to work well, it also needs to look good in your bathroom. Fortunately, today’s toilets come in a huge selection of colors and sizes. Bear mind, though, that choosing a color other than white can significantly add to the toilet’s price. One approach you may to consider is to choose a toilet that is part of a bathroom suite, thus ensuring that are the fixtures are in harmony.
8. Other features: High end toilets may come with heated seats, warm air drying systems and built-in bidets, such as the Toto Washlets. Kohler Comfort Height toilets have a higher seat, making sitting down and standing easier.
There, now you have 8 steps to finding the toilet that is right for you and your loved ones!
Be sure to visit our site for even more information.
About the author:
Lukas Rathswohl is the publisher of All About Toilets at http://www.all-about-toilets.com,your one-stop source for toilet information.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
7 Factors Needed For A Compost Pile
Compost, made from decomposed grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and branches, becomes a dark, crumbly mixture of organic matter.
Learn how composting works. Even a newbie to composting can make good quality compost. It can be compared to cooking as art or part science. The following 7 factors will help you master the art of composting.
1. Materials
After a time anything that was once alive will naturally decompose. But, not all organic items should be composted for the home. To prepare compost, organic material, microorganisms, air, water, and a small amount of nitrogen are needed.
These items are safe to compost at home:
* grass clippings
* trimmings from hedges
* vegetable scraps
* leaves
* potting soil that has grown old
* twigs
* coffee filters with coffee grounds
* tea bags
* weeds that have not went to seed
* plant stalks
These items are Not safe to compost at home:
* weeds that have went to seed
* dead animals
* pet feces
* bread and grains
* meat
* grease
* cooking oil
* oily foods
*diseased plants
2. What To Do To Make It Work
There are small forms of plant and animal life which break down the organic material. This life is called microorganisms. From a minute amount of garden soil or manure comes plenty of microorganisms.
Nitrogen, air, and water will provide a favorable environment for the microorganisms to make the compost. Air circulation and water will keep the microorganisms healthy and working. The nitrogen feeds the tiny organisms. You may have to add a small amount of nitrogen to the pile.
Putting on too much nitrogen can kill microbes and too much water causes insufficient air in the pile. You just cannot add too much air.
3. Beneficial Microorganisms
Bacteria are the most effective compost makers in your compost pile. They are the first to break down plant tissue. Then comes the fungi and protozoans to help with the process. The arthropodes, like centipedes, beetles, millipedes and worms, bring in the finishing touches to complete the composting.
4. Smaller is Better
The materials will break down faster if the microorganisms have more surface area to eat. Chopping your garden materials with a chipper, shredder, or lawnmower will help them decompose faster.
5. Size of The Pile
The activity of millions of microorganisms generates heat in the compost pile but a minimum size 3-foot by 3-foot by 3-foot is needed for a hot, fast composting pile. Piles that are any larger may hamper the air supply needed in the pile for the microorganisms.
6. Moisture and Aeration
If you can imagine a wet squeezed out sponge with its many air pockets, then this would be the ideal enviroment for the microorganisms in the pile to function at their best. Pay attention while your pile is composting, to the amount of rain or a drought you may have. Water in a drought and maybe turn the pile in a lot of rainy days. The extremes of these two may upset the balance of the pile. The use of a pitchfork would come in handy at this time.
7. Temperature and Time
Keep your pile between 110F and 160F and the beneficial bacteria will love it. Not too cool nor too hot. The temperature will rise over several days if you keep a good ratio of carbon and nitrogen, maintain lots of surface area within a large volume of material, and maintain adequate moisture and aeration.
-Importance of Compost-
+ Compost has nutrients, but it is not a complete fertilizer.
+ Compost provides nutrients in the soil until plants need to use them.
+ It loosens and aerates clay soils
+ Retains water in sandy soils.
-Using the Compost-
+ A soil amendment, mix 2 to 5 inches of compost into gardens each year before planting.
+ A potting mixture, add one part compost to two parts potting soil.
+ Make your own potting mixture by using equal parts of compost and sand or perlite.
+ A mulch, prodcast 2 to 4 inches of compost around annual flowers and vegetables, and up to 5 inches around your trees and shrubs.
+ A top dressing, mix finely sifted compost with sand and sprinkle evenly over lawns.
The final thing I would suggest once you have mastered the art of composting is to look very seriously at making your very own aerated compost tea. This elixir will give you results that are hard to believe.
About the Author: James Ellison makes it easy for you to understand making a compost pile correctly. If you need to know more about organic gardening visit: http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertilizers.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Learn how composting works. Even a newbie to composting can make good quality compost. It can be compared to cooking as art or part science. The following 7 factors will help you master the art of composting.
1. Materials
After a time anything that was once alive will naturally decompose. But, not all organic items should be composted for the home. To prepare compost, organic material, microorganisms, air, water, and a small amount of nitrogen are needed.
These items are safe to compost at home:
* grass clippings
* trimmings from hedges
* vegetable scraps
* leaves
* potting soil that has grown old
* twigs
* coffee filters with coffee grounds
* tea bags
* weeds that have not went to seed
* plant stalks
These items are Not safe to compost at home:
* weeds that have went to seed
* dead animals
* pet feces
* bread and grains
* meat
* grease
* cooking oil
* oily foods
*diseased plants
2. What To Do To Make It Work
There are small forms of plant and animal life which break down the organic material. This life is called microorganisms. From a minute amount of garden soil or manure comes plenty of microorganisms.
Nitrogen, air, and water will provide a favorable environment for the microorganisms to make the compost. Air circulation and water will keep the microorganisms healthy and working. The nitrogen feeds the tiny organisms. You may have to add a small amount of nitrogen to the pile.
Putting on too much nitrogen can kill microbes and too much water causes insufficient air in the pile. You just cannot add too much air.
3. Beneficial Microorganisms
Bacteria are the most effective compost makers in your compost pile. They are the first to break down plant tissue. Then comes the fungi and protozoans to help with the process. The arthropodes, like centipedes, beetles, millipedes and worms, bring in the finishing touches to complete the composting.
4. Smaller is Better
The materials will break down faster if the microorganisms have more surface area to eat. Chopping your garden materials with a chipper, shredder, or lawnmower will help them decompose faster.
5. Size of The Pile
The activity of millions of microorganisms generates heat in the compost pile but a minimum size 3-foot by 3-foot by 3-foot is needed for a hot, fast composting pile. Piles that are any larger may hamper the air supply needed in the pile for the microorganisms.
6. Moisture and Aeration
If you can imagine a wet squeezed out sponge with its many air pockets, then this would be the ideal enviroment for the microorganisms in the pile to function at their best. Pay attention while your pile is composting, to the amount of rain or a drought you may have. Water in a drought and maybe turn the pile in a lot of rainy days. The extremes of these two may upset the balance of the pile. The use of a pitchfork would come in handy at this time.
7. Temperature and Time
Keep your pile between 110F and 160F and the beneficial bacteria will love it. Not too cool nor too hot. The temperature will rise over several days if you keep a good ratio of carbon and nitrogen, maintain lots of surface area within a large volume of material, and maintain adequate moisture and aeration.
-Importance of Compost-
+ Compost has nutrients, but it is not a complete fertilizer.
+ Compost provides nutrients in the soil until plants need to use them.
+ It loosens and aerates clay soils
+ Retains water in sandy soils.
-Using the Compost-
+ A soil amendment, mix 2 to 5 inches of compost into gardens each year before planting.
+ A potting mixture, add one part compost to two parts potting soil.
+ Make your own potting mixture by using equal parts of compost and sand or perlite.
+ A mulch, prodcast 2 to 4 inches of compost around annual flowers and vegetables, and up to 5 inches around your trees and shrubs.
+ A top dressing, mix finely sifted compost with sand and sprinkle evenly over lawns.
The final thing I would suggest once you have mastered the art of composting is to look very seriously at making your very own aerated compost tea. This elixir will give you results that are hard to believe.
About the Author: James Ellison makes it easy for you to understand making a compost pile correctly. If you need to know more about organic gardening visit: http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertilizers.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
6 Ways of Creating Your Own Composting Machine
Composting as everybody knows is not a difficult, costly and time consuming process. Even the equipments and tools involved can be made available by just reusing any of your unused items stored in your backyard. If you're not into the build from scratch or crafting ideas, ready made composting items can be purchased quite easily and cheaply. I'll show you 6 different steps on how you can start composting, with the least fanciest equipment you can find.
Method 1 : Pile
The most simplistic idea ever. The only thing you'll need is an open area, measuring at least 3' x 3' x 3' for best results. There will be no supporting structure whatsoever to accommodate your composting activities within the defined area. Just throw in your composting materials and let the nature do its work.
Method 2 : Pallets
If you can find abandoned pallets, then you're in luck. But fear not, pallets can be easily purchased if you don't have any. Get at least a minimum of 4 pallets to form a 4 sided, open-top box. You may call it as a composting well if you want. The existing structure of the pallets which have empty spaces will allow a better air circulation throughout your composting process. Install a hinge on one of the pallets to create a door for easier addition of materials and for extraction purposes.It's a good idea to secure the 4 walls of the pallets together as well as to the ground for a better hold.
Method 3 : Concrete Cinder Blocks
The only drawback of this method is acquiring your own supply of cinder blocks, but this is probably a one time investment as this strong structure will get you going on for a long time. Start by stacking the blocks as high as you see fit. Air circulation is crucial, so stagger the blocks to allow proper circulation through the sides and back of the unit. To save excessive usage of the blocks, assemble a 3 sided composting unit. Provide a supporting wooden or iron posts to stabilize the overall unit structure. For a more organized structure, and provided if you have a lot of blocks to spare, you can create a considerably huge composting unit, divided into 3 areas of storage, for fresh, maturing and finished areas.
Method 4 : Wire (chicken wire or hardware cloth)
This method is relatively easy to implement. Get a galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth approximately 10' in length and 1/2 to 1 inch wide. This measurement varies depending on the size of your unit you wish to build. You don't want to create a overly sized unit as the flimsiness of the wire structure might ruin your whole effort at certain point. Fashion the wire to form a cylinder or a well look alike structure. Get a couple of wooden or iron posts to hold the structure together. You can nail the chicken wire onto several posts on certain areas to give it a "backbone" before putting it up. Create a door with one of the ends so you'll have easy access to the contents.
Method 5 : Wood bin (single or multiple bin units)
When it comes to any conventional wood architecture, you obviously will need nails and the hammer. This method will require some carpentry skills and other tools that you may have to purchase. These units of design typically end up being larger than the other methods, so you might have to budget your available space should you want to go with this route. A permanent structure of this kind usually will require a slightly higher budget.
Method 6 : Ready-made composters
The simple buy it and use it straight away method. Nothing beats this, as you can find complete ready made composters at your local garden center or any online stores. Pre-fabricated units include tumblers, rotating barrels and boxes for the home gardener. Selection is huge, so you should have most of your options right in front of your eyes.
Happy composting!
About the Author
Provided by the Websition Article Team where you will find free gardening tips to use for your website, newsletter, or ezine, all with royalty-free reprint rights. http://www.websition.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Method 1 : Pile
The most simplistic idea ever. The only thing you'll need is an open area, measuring at least 3' x 3' x 3' for best results. There will be no supporting structure whatsoever to accommodate your composting activities within the defined area. Just throw in your composting materials and let the nature do its work.
Method 2 : Pallets
If you can find abandoned pallets, then you're in luck. But fear not, pallets can be easily purchased if you don't have any. Get at least a minimum of 4 pallets to form a 4 sided, open-top box. You may call it as a composting well if you want. The existing structure of the pallets which have empty spaces will allow a better air circulation throughout your composting process. Install a hinge on one of the pallets to create a door for easier addition of materials and for extraction purposes.It's a good idea to secure the 4 walls of the pallets together as well as to the ground for a better hold.
Method 3 : Concrete Cinder Blocks
The only drawback of this method is acquiring your own supply of cinder blocks, but this is probably a one time investment as this strong structure will get you going on for a long time. Start by stacking the blocks as high as you see fit. Air circulation is crucial, so stagger the blocks to allow proper circulation through the sides and back of the unit. To save excessive usage of the blocks, assemble a 3 sided composting unit. Provide a supporting wooden or iron posts to stabilize the overall unit structure. For a more organized structure, and provided if you have a lot of blocks to spare, you can create a considerably huge composting unit, divided into 3 areas of storage, for fresh, maturing and finished areas.
Method 4 : Wire (chicken wire or hardware cloth)
This method is relatively easy to implement. Get a galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth approximately 10' in length and 1/2 to 1 inch wide. This measurement varies depending on the size of your unit you wish to build. You don't want to create a overly sized unit as the flimsiness of the wire structure might ruin your whole effort at certain point. Fashion the wire to form a cylinder or a well look alike structure. Get a couple of wooden or iron posts to hold the structure together. You can nail the chicken wire onto several posts on certain areas to give it a "backbone" before putting it up. Create a door with one of the ends so you'll have easy access to the contents.
Method 5 : Wood bin (single or multiple bin units)
When it comes to any conventional wood architecture, you obviously will need nails and the hammer. This method will require some carpentry skills and other tools that you may have to purchase. These units of design typically end up being larger than the other methods, so you might have to budget your available space should you want to go with this route. A permanent structure of this kind usually will require a slightly higher budget.
Method 6 : Ready-made composters
The simple buy it and use it straight away method. Nothing beats this, as you can find complete ready made composters at your local garden center or any online stores. Pre-fabricated units include tumblers, rotating barrels and boxes for the home gardener. Selection is huge, so you should have most of your options right in front of your eyes.
Happy composting!
About the Author
Provided by the Websition Article Team where you will find free gardening tips to use for your website, newsletter, or ezine, all with royalty-free reprint rights. http://www.websition.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
6 Steps to Prevent Mould in Your Bathroom
Despite regular cleaning mould can always occur in areas of high humidity around the home. Baths and showers create warm, moist air that condenses on cold surfaces providing the ideal breeding ground for the fungi that produce mould spores.
The following steps will help prevent mould from taking root in your bathroom.
1. Extract Moist Air
Opening the bathroom window is not an efficient way of getting rid of condensation, as it can simply blow the moist bathroom air into the rest of the house. Mould will not grow on a dry surface so ensure you have an extractor fan fitted in your bathroom that will expel the moist air outside.
2. Rent a Dehumidifier
The majority of mould problems are caused by condensation, and most condensation is caused by poor ventilation. A dehumidifier will condense moisture out of the air in your home and store it as water in a reservoir, which must be emptied regularly. Renting a dehumidifier for a few weeks from a local tool hire company will soon establish whether you have a condensation problem or not.
3. Remove Carpets
Stepping onto carpet when getting out of the bath or shower can lead to it getting wet, which will keep the humidity level high in the bathroom. Look into alternative bathroom floor coverings that do not absorb water.
4. Remove Pot Plants
Pot plants need to be watered regularly, keeping the soil moist. This is an ideal breeding ground for mould producing fungi so keep them out of the bathroom.
5. Check For Leaks
A constant but small leak can lead to untold damage if left unchecked. Ensure all pipe-work is bone dry (especially around connections). Have a close look around the shower tray and bathtub to make sure that all of the seals are still intact. Mould growing in the silicone seal itself usually (but not always) indicates that moisture has got behind the seal.
6. Install Surfaces That Do Not Harbour Mould
Ceramic tiles are commonplace in most bathrooms but are cold to the touch, attracting condensation. Although the tiles are waterproof the grout used between the joints can retain moisture and lead to mould growth.
Plasterboard (drywall) ceilings and walls can suck in moisture if they come into contact with water, enabling mould to grow even if the surface looks dry.
A modern alternative to these products is bathroom cladding. This is a form of waterproof wall panelling that is warm to the touch, so condensation will not form on it. Bathroom cladding uses no grout - each panel slots into the next using a tongue and groove system - so there is nowhere to harbour moisture.
Following these steps should lead to a mould free bathroom.
About the Author
Mark Davies is the owner of The Bathroom Marquee a UK based online store specialising in bathroom wall cladding, ceiling cladding and the Outasight concealed shower curtain system.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
The following steps will help prevent mould from taking root in your bathroom.
1. Extract Moist Air
Opening the bathroom window is not an efficient way of getting rid of condensation, as it can simply blow the moist bathroom air into the rest of the house. Mould will not grow on a dry surface so ensure you have an extractor fan fitted in your bathroom that will expel the moist air outside.
2. Rent a Dehumidifier
The majority of mould problems are caused by condensation, and most condensation is caused by poor ventilation. A dehumidifier will condense moisture out of the air in your home and store it as water in a reservoir, which must be emptied regularly. Renting a dehumidifier for a few weeks from a local tool hire company will soon establish whether you have a condensation problem or not.
3. Remove Carpets
Stepping onto carpet when getting out of the bath or shower can lead to it getting wet, which will keep the humidity level high in the bathroom. Look into alternative bathroom floor coverings that do not absorb water.
4. Remove Pot Plants
Pot plants need to be watered regularly, keeping the soil moist. This is an ideal breeding ground for mould producing fungi so keep them out of the bathroom.
5. Check For Leaks
A constant but small leak can lead to untold damage if left unchecked. Ensure all pipe-work is bone dry (especially around connections). Have a close look around the shower tray and bathtub to make sure that all of the seals are still intact. Mould growing in the silicone seal itself usually (but not always) indicates that moisture has got behind the seal.
6. Install Surfaces That Do Not Harbour Mould
Ceramic tiles are commonplace in most bathrooms but are cold to the touch, attracting condensation. Although the tiles are waterproof the grout used between the joints can retain moisture and lead to mould growth.
Plasterboard (drywall) ceilings and walls can suck in moisture if they come into contact with water, enabling mould to grow even if the surface looks dry.
A modern alternative to these products is bathroom cladding. This is a form of waterproof wall panelling that is warm to the touch, so condensation will not form on it. Bathroom cladding uses no grout - each panel slots into the next using a tongue and groove system - so there is nowhere to harbour moisture.
Following these steps should lead to a mould free bathroom.
About the Author
Mark Davies is the owner of The Bathroom Marquee a UK based online store specialising in bathroom wall cladding, ceiling cladding and the Outasight concealed shower curtain system.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
6 REALLY COOL THINGS: BE the KING of your CASTLE!!!
6 REALLY COOL THINGS About Becoming the King of your Castle!
If you want to be a millionaire, if you want to be smart with your money, if you want to get ahead in life, build security, establish equity, and retire in confidence, then you must, simply MUST become the King of your Castle!
You need to buy your first home if you haven't taken this important step yet. If you have bought your first home already, then read on. I know you already are nodding your head in full agreement, but let's briefly review some of the really cool things that happens when you own your own home:
Thing 1 : All interest paid on your mortgage is a tax write-off at the end of the year.
Thing 2: You are building equity, and FAST!
Thing 3: No more landlords, No more thin walls!
Thing 4, the tax break, gives you breathing room financially.
Thing 5, Equity. Huge deal here.
Thing 6: The King of your Castle!
Thing 1 : All interest paid on your mortgage is a tax write-off at the end of the year.
That's HUGE. If you pay $1000 a month on your mortgage, the vast majority of this is interest.
You're write-off at the end of the year, will be around $12,000 as a scheduled deduction on your 1040 to the tax-man. See the massive benefit this has, come April 15th?
Watch your savings account thrive, or go on an awesome vacation to Jamaica, or buy a new car, or invest in a mutual fund. We’re talking thousands of dollars here, for most Americans, in realized tax savings!
If this isn’t enough to get you salivating, then I don’t even think a bag of money falling from the sky will elicit any kind of reaction from you. Come on! Thousands of dollars in tax savings! That IS, in fact, a big, bag of money! Huge, huge, huge.
Thing 2: You are building equity, and FAST!
Last year, mid-2003 to mid-2004, the average American home appreciated around 9.5%. Think that's good? In 74 housing markets, the appreciation was in the double-digits.
Generally, a low appreciation is considered to be around 4%. So, with that kind of amazing track-record, you need to sit down with your trusty calculator and start getting your hands around the reality that this could be YOU!
There's nothing that prevents you from buying your home. All objections can be overcome, and all obstacles can be reckoned with.
First, though, get to the point where you fully understand the power of leverage, as many homeowners have come to realize, with owning your own home.
Thing 3: No more landlords, No more thin walls!
No more neighbors behind sheetrock, no more carports, no more smelly garbage bins, no more gross washer/dryers, no more rude, late-night out of control parties, no more leaky faucets ignored, no more intrusive and neglected bugs and vermin! That was your old life. This is your new life.
This is your home. You own it. You run it. You are the master of your domain!
You maintain it, improve it, and take pride in it.
It is the American dream, of course, to own a piece of land that you can call your own. I know you feel it in your bones. I know, that you know, that this is true.
So, how does owning your own home, get you to be a millionaire? Well, that's incredibly simple:
Thing 4, the tax break, gives you breathing room financially.
Your tax return can be substantial, and this means more money in your pocket, less stress in your bank account.
This will give you a little more freedom, should you choose to act wisely with your money, and fit comfortably into a piece of property that might be slightly more than you thought you could afford.
In addition, often times, the breathing room from the tax savings, is just enough to get you out of survival-mode. It happens to many of us. We start thinking about saving, rather than spending, and we start thinking about the future, rather than just getting through today.
Thing 5, Equity. Huge deal here.
You have to understand that the money you are already spending on rent, can be re-routed towards a home mortage.
So, if you spend $1,000 a month on rent, and then restructure your lifestyle so that you own a home, and spend $1,000 a month on a piece of property worth, let's say, $250,000, for example, and that piece of property appreciates 10% a year...How long will it take you to become a millionaire?
Get your trusty calculator out and learn how to crunch this number, because you are much closer then you realize. I come up with $1,263,617.57 in 17 years. Now, that's over One Million Dollars Equity in 17 years, just by re-routing the rent money that you already spend! It is effortless.
It requires no additional activity on your part. Just keep going to work, bringing home your income, and paying your mortgage. In 17 years, you will be a millionaire.
Furthermore, there are variables in this equation that can make this happen even sooner. For example, you could live in a metropolitan area with a much higher appreciation rate.
Last year, our homes in the Sacramento area appreciated at 15.5%. Now, there's no reason you couldn't live here, or maybe you already live in a high appreciation metropolitan area. Maybe you don't want to. You don't have to.
The point is, that if you wanted to speed up this process of getting to a million dollars through the passive investment of your residential home equity...You could....
Or, like I said, you don't have to. Just buy a home, and you'll get there in 17 years or less.
Thing 6, the King of your Castle:
Now, thing 6 doesn't necessarily award you a faster route to a million dollars, but what it does do is ensure that you have peace of mind, happiness, and balance in your life.
With the joy of home ownership comes it's own reward, and that will ensure that you won't just want to get up and bail out on your investment because you're miserable.
You won't be miserable if you buy the home of your dreams, and if you live in a place you love, the place you call yours, the place that is steadily growing equity, and tax benefits, and wealth.
This is the place where you are in total control of your life. This is the place where you are the king of your castle.
We’ve enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.
Publisher’s Directions: This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link (where possible) are included.
Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.
About the author:
Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. Visit Tom at: http://www.ExpertLoan.Org/. This article is available in full format at: http://www.expertloan.org/article-king.htm. Copyright 2004, by www.ExpertLoan.Org.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
If you want to be a millionaire, if you want to be smart with your money, if you want to get ahead in life, build security, establish equity, and retire in confidence, then you must, simply MUST become the King of your Castle!
You need to buy your first home if you haven't taken this important step yet. If you have bought your first home already, then read on. I know you already are nodding your head in full agreement, but let's briefly review some of the really cool things that happens when you own your own home:
Thing 1 : All interest paid on your mortgage is a tax write-off at the end of the year.
Thing 2: You are building equity, and FAST!
Thing 3: No more landlords, No more thin walls!
Thing 4, the tax break, gives you breathing room financially.
Thing 5, Equity. Huge deal here.
Thing 6: The King of your Castle!
Thing 1 : All interest paid on your mortgage is a tax write-off at the end of the year.
That's HUGE. If you pay $1000 a month on your mortgage, the vast majority of this is interest.
You're write-off at the end of the year, will be around $12,000 as a scheduled deduction on your 1040 to the tax-man. See the massive benefit this has, come April 15th?
Watch your savings account thrive, or go on an awesome vacation to Jamaica, or buy a new car, or invest in a mutual fund. We’re talking thousands of dollars here, for most Americans, in realized tax savings!
If this isn’t enough to get you salivating, then I don’t even think a bag of money falling from the sky will elicit any kind of reaction from you. Come on! Thousands of dollars in tax savings! That IS, in fact, a big, bag of money! Huge, huge, huge.
Thing 2: You are building equity, and FAST!
Last year, mid-2003 to mid-2004, the average American home appreciated around 9.5%. Think that's good? In 74 housing markets, the appreciation was in the double-digits.
Generally, a low appreciation is considered to be around 4%. So, with that kind of amazing track-record, you need to sit down with your trusty calculator and start getting your hands around the reality that this could be YOU!
There's nothing that prevents you from buying your home. All objections can be overcome, and all obstacles can be reckoned with.
First, though, get to the point where you fully understand the power of leverage, as many homeowners have come to realize, with owning your own home.
Thing 3: No more landlords, No more thin walls!
No more neighbors behind sheetrock, no more carports, no more smelly garbage bins, no more gross washer/dryers, no more rude, late-night out of control parties, no more leaky faucets ignored, no more intrusive and neglected bugs and vermin! That was your old life. This is your new life.
This is your home. You own it. You run it. You are the master of your domain!
You maintain it, improve it, and take pride in it.
It is the American dream, of course, to own a piece of land that you can call your own. I know you feel it in your bones. I know, that you know, that this is true.
So, how does owning your own home, get you to be a millionaire? Well, that's incredibly simple:
Thing 4, the tax break, gives you breathing room financially.
Your tax return can be substantial, and this means more money in your pocket, less stress in your bank account.
This will give you a little more freedom, should you choose to act wisely with your money, and fit comfortably into a piece of property that might be slightly more than you thought you could afford.
In addition, often times, the breathing room from the tax savings, is just enough to get you out of survival-mode. It happens to many of us. We start thinking about saving, rather than spending, and we start thinking about the future, rather than just getting through today.
Thing 5, Equity. Huge deal here.
You have to understand that the money you are already spending on rent, can be re-routed towards a home mortage.
So, if you spend $1,000 a month on rent, and then restructure your lifestyle so that you own a home, and spend $1,000 a month on a piece of property worth, let's say, $250,000, for example, and that piece of property appreciates 10% a year...How long will it take you to become a millionaire?
Get your trusty calculator out and learn how to crunch this number, because you are much closer then you realize. I come up with $1,263,617.57 in 17 years. Now, that's over One Million Dollars Equity in 17 years, just by re-routing the rent money that you already spend! It is effortless.
It requires no additional activity on your part. Just keep going to work, bringing home your income, and paying your mortgage. In 17 years, you will be a millionaire.
Furthermore, there are variables in this equation that can make this happen even sooner. For example, you could live in a metropolitan area with a much higher appreciation rate.
Last year, our homes in the Sacramento area appreciated at 15.5%. Now, there's no reason you couldn't live here, or maybe you already live in a high appreciation metropolitan area. Maybe you don't want to. You don't have to.
The point is, that if you wanted to speed up this process of getting to a million dollars through the passive investment of your residential home equity...You could....
Or, like I said, you don't have to. Just buy a home, and you'll get there in 17 years or less.
Thing 6, the King of your Castle:
Now, thing 6 doesn't necessarily award you a faster route to a million dollars, but what it does do is ensure that you have peace of mind, happiness, and balance in your life.
With the joy of home ownership comes it's own reward, and that will ensure that you won't just want to get up and bail out on your investment because you're miserable.
You won't be miserable if you buy the home of your dreams, and if you live in a place you love, the place you call yours, the place that is steadily growing equity, and tax benefits, and wealth.
This is the place where you are in total control of your life. This is the place where you are the king of your castle.
We’ve enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.
Publisher’s Directions: This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link (where possible) are included.
Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.
About the author:
Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. Visit Tom at: http://www.ExpertLoan.Org/. This article is available in full format at: http://www.expertloan.org/article-king.htm. Copyright 2004, by www.ExpertLoan.Org.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
6 Fashion Tips For Gardeners
Clothes and skin cream are far removed from potting out your begonias, or digging a trench for a line of potatoes. But the clothes you wear are important for your protection in the garden. Here are six simple but effective solutions to various gardening hazards...
1. Starting from the top, you need to protect your head. Body heat escapes through the head and in the cold weather a warm hat should be worn. Knit yourself a 'gardening crazy' hat or buy a simple woollen hat on the high street.
And in the summer, even more attention should be paid to the head. The sun's rays are not only hot but they actually burn you. We all know this but how easy it is to forget when you want to soak up the sun after months of grey or cold weather. Invest in a cool sunhat. Not only will it help protect you from sunstroke, it will also protect against the drying out of your hair and skin.
2. Keep one old comfortable jacket or short coat, preferably with fairly large pockets, especially for the garden. When you're working, you won't need to worry about dirty marks. Leave them there, it's all part of the gardener's designer uniform!
3. Suitable trousers.. again keep a couple of old pairs especially for gardening. Wear heavy duty jeans for heavy duty work. A good waterproof pair are handy in damp climates. In fact, in damp climates, a whole waterproof gardening suit is invaluable. There is always planting to do in the rain, and a waterproof hat, jacket and trousers tucked in a pair of boots will keep you nice and dry!
4. Protect your hands. For light work, potting on or pinching out tomato plants, a disposable plastic pair of gloves or a pair of kitchen rubber gloves will be enough. For heavier work - pruning roses, weeding thistles and nettles, wear heavy duty gardening gloves, or your hands will suffer.
5. Watch those toes! Invest in a pair of steel toe capped boots and wear them! If you're pottering in the greenhouse or doing a little weeding, a simple pair of wellington boots will do, or even sandals if the weather allows. But as soon as you pick up a large tool, your steel toe-caps should be worn. If you're not used to them, these boots can feel heavy and cumbersome at first, but stick with it. If you're doing heavy work, you need heavy boots.
6. And last but certainly not least, you must protect your skin. Moisturise all exposed body parts whenever you are woking in the garden, rain or shine. Working outside will give you a nice healthy glow, but the wind and sun will dry your skin given half a chance.
So there we have it, not a fashion designer's dream, but these 6 garden fashion tips will make life a lot more comfortable, and safer, for the average home gardener. Happy gardening!
About the Author: Linda Gray is a freelance writer and has spent more than ten years creating an organic family garden from an acre of neglected land. Linda shares her experience and expertise at http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
1. Starting from the top, you need to protect your head. Body heat escapes through the head and in the cold weather a warm hat should be worn. Knit yourself a 'gardening crazy' hat or buy a simple woollen hat on the high street.
And in the summer, even more attention should be paid to the head. The sun's rays are not only hot but they actually burn you. We all know this but how easy it is to forget when you want to soak up the sun after months of grey or cold weather. Invest in a cool sunhat. Not only will it help protect you from sunstroke, it will also protect against the drying out of your hair and skin.
2. Keep one old comfortable jacket or short coat, preferably with fairly large pockets, especially for the garden. When you're working, you won't need to worry about dirty marks. Leave them there, it's all part of the gardener's designer uniform!
3. Suitable trousers.. again keep a couple of old pairs especially for gardening. Wear heavy duty jeans for heavy duty work. A good waterproof pair are handy in damp climates. In fact, in damp climates, a whole waterproof gardening suit is invaluable. There is always planting to do in the rain, and a waterproof hat, jacket and trousers tucked in a pair of boots will keep you nice and dry!
4. Protect your hands. For light work, potting on or pinching out tomato plants, a disposable plastic pair of gloves or a pair of kitchen rubber gloves will be enough. For heavier work - pruning roses, weeding thistles and nettles, wear heavy duty gardening gloves, or your hands will suffer.
5. Watch those toes! Invest in a pair of steel toe capped boots and wear them! If you're pottering in the greenhouse or doing a little weeding, a simple pair of wellington boots will do, or even sandals if the weather allows. But as soon as you pick up a large tool, your steel toe-caps should be worn. If you're not used to them, these boots can feel heavy and cumbersome at first, but stick with it. If you're doing heavy work, you need heavy boots.
6. And last but certainly not least, you must protect your skin. Moisturise all exposed body parts whenever you are woking in the garden, rain or shine. Working outside will give you a nice healthy glow, but the wind and sun will dry your skin given half a chance.
So there we have it, not a fashion designer's dream, but these 6 garden fashion tips will make life a lot more comfortable, and safer, for the average home gardener. Happy gardening!
About the Author: Linda Gray is a freelance writer and has spent more than ten years creating an organic family garden from an acre of neglected land. Linda shares her experience and expertise at http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
5-Minute Fabric Decorating Tips for Unlit Fireplace Candelab
Who doesn’t appreciate flickering flames in a fireplace? For those who don’t have the inclination or time for burning firewood in their fireplace, fireplace candelabra are the obvious answer. They provide that special glow without the hassle or, in warm weather, the heat. But how do you keep those fireplace candelabra worthy of the visual focal point of your home even for those times when you haven’t lit the candles?
Even without burning candles, decorators have their tricks for using fireplace candelabra as foundations for eye-appealing displays in the fireplace. Here are three of their super quick and inexpensive techniques using fabric that you can try:
1. Heavy Fabric
Use a full-bodied fabric, such as tapestry, brocade, or velvet, which coordinates with the colors and style of your room. Casually interweave the fabric among the “arms” of your fireplace candelabra, leaving dramatic folds of fabric spilling onto the inner hearth and over parts of the candelabra. Tuck in the ends, out of sight. Now, replace those candles, but don’t, of course, light them as long as the fabric is in your hearth.
2. Lace or Sheer Fabric
For a different, but equally appealing look, use a sheer fabric, such as chiffon or lace. Give it the same treatment as above, with visually interesting draping and folds of the material. This lighter, airier treatment is more appropriate for some rooms.
3. Tassel Magic
At your local fabric store, find three to five inch long tassels in a color, or a mixture of colors, to highlight your room and the metal of your fireplace candelabra. Buy a tassel and a few inches of coordinating cording for each candle on your fireplace candelabra.
Cut the cord into lengths a bit longer than the circumference of each candle. Either by sewing or by using your glue gun, make a circle of each piece of cording and attach a tassel where you join the ends of the cording. Each circle of cording should be big enough to easily slide onto a candle, down to its base.
Slip each cording-with-tassel circle over a different candle on your fireplace candelabra. Adjust the tassels so they are hanging over the edge of the candle cups, facing into the room.
These tassels so beautifully accessorize the candles of your fireplace candelabra, you may be tempted to leave them when you light the candles, but please don’t. Remove them before lighting your candles and save them to put back on when you blow the candles out at the end of the evening.
A bit of fabric dramatically posed or some tassels elegantly dangling from your fireplace candelabra can be so charming, your fireplace candelabra can rightfully maintain the place of honor in your room’s natural focal point, the fireplace, even when its candles aren’t aglow.
About The Author
Susan Penney appreciates simple ways to make our homes renewing spaces for our families. She invites you to visit http://www.FireplaceMall.com for fireplace accessories to serve your fire-less or your fire-filled fireplace.
fireplacemall@earthlink.net
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Even without burning candles, decorators have their tricks for using fireplace candelabra as foundations for eye-appealing displays in the fireplace. Here are three of their super quick and inexpensive techniques using fabric that you can try:
1. Heavy Fabric
Use a full-bodied fabric, such as tapestry, brocade, or velvet, which coordinates with the colors and style of your room. Casually interweave the fabric among the “arms” of your fireplace candelabra, leaving dramatic folds of fabric spilling onto the inner hearth and over parts of the candelabra. Tuck in the ends, out of sight. Now, replace those candles, but don’t, of course, light them as long as the fabric is in your hearth.
2. Lace or Sheer Fabric
For a different, but equally appealing look, use a sheer fabric, such as chiffon or lace. Give it the same treatment as above, with visually interesting draping and folds of the material. This lighter, airier treatment is more appropriate for some rooms.
3. Tassel Magic
At your local fabric store, find three to five inch long tassels in a color, or a mixture of colors, to highlight your room and the metal of your fireplace candelabra. Buy a tassel and a few inches of coordinating cording for each candle on your fireplace candelabra.
Cut the cord into lengths a bit longer than the circumference of each candle. Either by sewing or by using your glue gun, make a circle of each piece of cording and attach a tassel where you join the ends of the cording. Each circle of cording should be big enough to easily slide onto a candle, down to its base.
Slip each cording-with-tassel circle over a different candle on your fireplace candelabra. Adjust the tassels so they are hanging over the edge of the candle cups, facing into the room.
These tassels so beautifully accessorize the candles of your fireplace candelabra, you may be tempted to leave them when you light the candles, but please don’t. Remove them before lighting your candles and save them to put back on when you blow the candles out at the end of the evening.
A bit of fabric dramatically posed or some tassels elegantly dangling from your fireplace candelabra can be so charming, your fireplace candelabra can rightfully maintain the place of honor in your room’s natural focal point, the fireplace, even when its candles aren’t aglow.
About The Author
Susan Penney appreciates simple ways to make our homes renewing spaces for our families. She invites you to visit http://www.FireplaceMall.com for fireplace accessories to serve your fire-less or your fire-filled fireplace.
fireplacemall@earthlink.net
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
5 Steps to Protecting Your Hardwood Floor From Disaster
Common knowledge states that hardwood floors are a great investment for a homeowner. They add a certain charm and character to a home that can’t be replicated by laminates, carpeting, or any other type of flooring. However, the investment does not stop with the decision to purchase hardwoods. To retain the value, the hardwood must be properly cared for and maintained. Fortunately, with a few simple, easy, inexpensive steps, your hardwood flooring will always remain in perfect shape.
1. Do not use Murphy’s Oil Soap. Murphy’s works great on wooden furniture, but don’t make the mistake of using it on your hardwood floors. You won’t notice anything wrong after applying it once, but if used consistently, residue will build up and leave your floor with a dull appearance.
2. Do not use a Wet Swiffer. A Dry Swiffer is great for collecting dust, dirt, and pet hair from your floors, and it is also less abrasive than a vacuum cleaner. However, a Wet Swiffer can cause major long-term damage. The chemicals in the cleaning solution can break down the urethane finish on your floor and leave it dull, faded, and lifeless.
3. Place area rugs anywhere that might collect water. Prime areas are in front of the refrigerator, by the dishwasher, and near any sinks. Make sure that the floor is protected in any spot that is susceptible to minor leaks and water collection. A pool of water is the quickest way to destroy your floor.
4. Use floor mats in spots where people step on the hardwood directly after being outside. In addition to protecting against wet or muddy footprints, floor mats will help collect any sharp or abrasive materials stuck in the treads of shoes. This step will help prevent accidental scraping or scratching.
5. Use felt pads when moving furniture. Or better yet, lift the furniture off the ground instead of sliding it across your hardwood floor. If felt pads must be used, please make sure that they are free of any debris. Even if a tiny little object like a staple is under that pad when heavy furniture is set upon it, your floor could receive some serious gouges.
These steps will help ensure that your home retains its value by protecting your hardwood floors against major damage.
Accidents do happen, however, no matter how careful you are. If your floor becomes damaged, contact the manufacturer or the installer for advice.
About the Author
Michael Nelson is a freelance author and lifelong carpenter. You can read more about hardwood flooring at http://www.hardwoodflooringspot.info
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
1. Do not use Murphy’s Oil Soap. Murphy’s works great on wooden furniture, but don’t make the mistake of using it on your hardwood floors. You won’t notice anything wrong after applying it once, but if used consistently, residue will build up and leave your floor with a dull appearance.
2. Do not use a Wet Swiffer. A Dry Swiffer is great for collecting dust, dirt, and pet hair from your floors, and it is also less abrasive than a vacuum cleaner. However, a Wet Swiffer can cause major long-term damage. The chemicals in the cleaning solution can break down the urethane finish on your floor and leave it dull, faded, and lifeless.
3. Place area rugs anywhere that might collect water. Prime areas are in front of the refrigerator, by the dishwasher, and near any sinks. Make sure that the floor is protected in any spot that is susceptible to minor leaks and water collection. A pool of water is the quickest way to destroy your floor.
4. Use floor mats in spots where people step on the hardwood directly after being outside. In addition to protecting against wet or muddy footprints, floor mats will help collect any sharp or abrasive materials stuck in the treads of shoes. This step will help prevent accidental scraping or scratching.
5. Use felt pads when moving furniture. Or better yet, lift the furniture off the ground instead of sliding it across your hardwood floor. If felt pads must be used, please make sure that they are free of any debris. Even if a tiny little object like a staple is under that pad when heavy furniture is set upon it, your floor could receive some serious gouges.
These steps will help ensure that your home retains its value by protecting your hardwood floors against major damage.
Accidents do happen, however, no matter how careful you are. If your floor becomes damaged, contact the manufacturer or the installer for advice.
About the Author
Michael Nelson is a freelance author and lifelong carpenter. You can read more about hardwood flooring at http://www.hardwoodflooringspot.info
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
5 Secrets To Growing Beautiful Roses
A rose is a rose is rose - and there are few things in the garden more beautiful. There are 5 secrets I want to share that will help you to grow healthy roses.
1. Sunshine: Plan to put your rose bush in a spot where it will get as much sun at least 6 hours of sunshine a day.
2. Water: Drops of water on the leaves can cause burning, and lead to black spot disease so always water from underneath, soaking the earth until it is damp but not soggy. It is better to water thoroughly once a week than lightly several times in the
same period.
Beware if your Roses get too much water, they'll drown. Water in the
morning or at least four or five hours before dusk so that any excess moisture
can be absorbed by the heat of the day.
3. Planting & Soil: As soon as the ground can be worked in the Spring, turn the soil to the depth of the spade. To the loosened soil add 1/3 to 1/2 as much again of composted
humus like leaf mold, peat moss, or composted manure, together with coarse
sand. Make sure to work the soil at least a month before planting.
4. Tidy, Tidy: Keep Roses healthy, it is important to gather up withered petals and leaves and pick off any live leaves with black spots. Prevent black spot - mix 1 tbs of baking soda with 1 tbs of liquid dish soap and 1 gallon of water together and spray your Rose leaves.
5. Prune: Always prune
1/4" above an outward facing bud. Always use a sharp knife or hand
pruners. Never prune in fall. Always cut off the suckers, they grow just below the bud union; follow them down to where they begin and carefully remove them to encourage strong new growth.
Roses are classified into types
according to ancestry, bush type, and flower form and size - ask at your local nursery for the type you prefer.
About the Author
Abigail Baker is webmaster and contributing editor for Country Mall Place at http://www.acplace.com/
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
1. Sunshine: Plan to put your rose bush in a spot where it will get as much sun at least 6 hours of sunshine a day.
2. Water: Drops of water on the leaves can cause burning, and lead to black spot disease so always water from underneath, soaking the earth until it is damp but not soggy. It is better to water thoroughly once a week than lightly several times in the
same period.
Beware if your Roses get too much water, they'll drown. Water in the
morning or at least four or five hours before dusk so that any excess moisture
can be absorbed by the heat of the day.
3. Planting & Soil: As soon as the ground can be worked in the Spring, turn the soil to the depth of the spade. To the loosened soil add 1/3 to 1/2 as much again of composted
humus like leaf mold, peat moss, or composted manure, together with coarse
sand. Make sure to work the soil at least a month before planting.
4. Tidy, Tidy: Keep Roses healthy, it is important to gather up withered petals and leaves and pick off any live leaves with black spots. Prevent black spot - mix 1 tbs of baking soda with 1 tbs of liquid dish soap and 1 gallon of water together and spray your Rose leaves.
5. Prune: Always prune
1/4" above an outward facing bud. Always use a sharp knife or hand
pruners. Never prune in fall. Always cut off the suckers, they grow just below the bud union; follow them down to where they begin and carefully remove them to encourage strong new growth.
Roses are classified into types
according to ancestry, bush type, and flower form and size - ask at your local nursery for the type you prefer.
About the Author
Abigail Baker is webmaster and contributing editor for Country Mall Place at http://www.acplace.com/
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
5 Reasons To Stock Up On Firewood In Early Spring
As the weather hints of warmth and the spring buds appear on trees, firewood may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But early spring is the ideal time to buy or gather your firewood for your fireplace or woodstove. Why? Here are 5 good reasons:
1. Firewood needs at least six months to season. If you want your firewood ready for the cool days of next fall, now’s the time to be getting it.
2. Insects living under the bark are dormant in early spring. When you store firewood now for use next fall or winter, any insects will likely die before you bring the firewood into your home. That’s a plus!
3. Prices for firewood are generally down in early spring, and the supplies are good. Buying now instead of waiting for cold weather to buy your firewood will save you money.
4. Fuel costs, especially the cost of heating oil, are rising. Many people will be turning to their fireplaces as a source of supplemental heat, especially when they see their fuel bills next winter. So next fall is expected not only to have the regular seasonal increase in firewood prices but also to see additional price increases due to unusually high demands. Buying your firewood now puts you ahead of those price increases that are forecast for firewood next fall.
5. Landowners whose property has been logged will welcome you if you ask permission to salvage firewood. Loggers leave behind about 50% of each tree, cluttering the landscape but providing you with free firewood. With a chain saw and a wood splitter, you can tailor your firewood to the dimensions of your fireplace. There’s considerably less competition for this free firewood in early spring than there is during the cooler seasons.
So go ahead and let your thoughts turn to springtime, but get a jump on next fall now, too. When the cool weather returns, you’ll be glad to have your seasoned firewood waiting for you.
About the Author: Susan Penney appreciates simple ways to make our homes renewing spaces for our families. She invites you to visit http://www.FireplaceMall.com for fireplace accessories to serve your fire-less or your fire-filled fireplace.
Source: www.isnare.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
1. Firewood needs at least six months to season. If you want your firewood ready for the cool days of next fall, now’s the time to be getting it.
2. Insects living under the bark are dormant in early spring. When you store firewood now for use next fall or winter, any insects will likely die before you bring the firewood into your home. That’s a plus!
3. Prices for firewood are generally down in early spring, and the supplies are good. Buying now instead of waiting for cold weather to buy your firewood will save you money.
4. Fuel costs, especially the cost of heating oil, are rising. Many people will be turning to their fireplaces as a source of supplemental heat, especially when they see their fuel bills next winter. So next fall is expected not only to have the regular seasonal increase in firewood prices but also to see additional price increases due to unusually high demands. Buying your firewood now puts you ahead of those price increases that are forecast for firewood next fall.
5. Landowners whose property has been logged will welcome you if you ask permission to salvage firewood. Loggers leave behind about 50% of each tree, cluttering the landscape but providing you with free firewood. With a chain saw and a wood splitter, you can tailor your firewood to the dimensions of your fireplace. There’s considerably less competition for this free firewood in early spring than there is during the cooler seasons.
So go ahead and let your thoughts turn to springtime, but get a jump on next fall now, too. When the cool weather returns, you’ll be glad to have your seasoned firewood waiting for you.
About the Author: Susan Penney appreciates simple ways to make our homes renewing spaces for our families. She invites you to visit http://www.FireplaceMall.com for fireplace accessories to serve your fire-less or your fire-filled fireplace.
Source: www.isnare.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
5 Reasons Early Spring is "Firewood Time"
As the weather hints of warmth and the spring buds appear on trees, firewood may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But early spring is the ideal time to buy or gather your firewood for your fireplace or woodstove. Why? Here are 5 good reasons:
1. Firewood needs at least six months to season. If you want your firewood ready for the cool days of next fall, now’s the time to be getting it.
2. Insects living under the bark are dormant in early spring. When you store firewood now for use next fall or winter, any insects will likely die before you bring the firewood into your home. That’s a plus!
3. Prices for firewood are generally down in early spring, and the supplies are good. Buying now instead of waiting for cold weather to buy your firewood will save you money.
4. Fuel costs, especially the cost of heating oil, are rising. Many people will be turning to their fireplaces as a source of supplemental heat, especially when they see their fuel bills next winter. So next fall is expected not only to have the regular seasonal increase in firewood prices but also to see additional price increases due to unusually high demands. Buying your firewood now puts you ahead of those price increases that are forecast for firewood next fall.
5. Landowners whose property has been logged will welcome you if you ask permission to salvage firewood. Loggers leave behind about 50% of each tree, cluttering the landscape but providing you with free firewood. With a chain saw and a wood splitter, you can tailor your firewood to the dimensions of your fireplace. There’s considerably less competition for this free firewood in early spring than there is during the cooler seasons.
So go ahead and let your thoughts turn to springtime, but get a jump on next fall now, too. When the cool weather returns, you’ll be glad to have your seasoned firewood waiting for you.
About the author:
Susan Penney appreciates simple ways to make our homes renewing spaces for our families. She invites you to visit http://www.FireplaceMall.comfor fireplace accessories to serve your fire-less or your fire-filled fireplace.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
1. Firewood needs at least six months to season. If you want your firewood ready for the cool days of next fall, now’s the time to be getting it.
2. Insects living under the bark are dormant in early spring. When you store firewood now for use next fall or winter, any insects will likely die before you bring the firewood into your home. That’s a plus!
3. Prices for firewood are generally down in early spring, and the supplies are good. Buying now instead of waiting for cold weather to buy your firewood will save you money.
4. Fuel costs, especially the cost of heating oil, are rising. Many people will be turning to their fireplaces as a source of supplemental heat, especially when they see their fuel bills next winter. So next fall is expected not only to have the regular seasonal increase in firewood prices but also to see additional price increases due to unusually high demands. Buying your firewood now puts you ahead of those price increases that are forecast for firewood next fall.
5. Landowners whose property has been logged will welcome you if you ask permission to salvage firewood. Loggers leave behind about 50% of each tree, cluttering the landscape but providing you with free firewood. With a chain saw and a wood splitter, you can tailor your firewood to the dimensions of your fireplace. There’s considerably less competition for this free firewood in early spring than there is during the cooler seasons.
So go ahead and let your thoughts turn to springtime, but get a jump on next fall now, too. When the cool weather returns, you’ll be glad to have your seasoned firewood waiting for you.
About the author:
Susan Penney appreciates simple ways to make our homes renewing spaces for our families. She invites you to visit http://www.FireplaceMall.comfor fireplace accessories to serve your fire-less or your fire-filled fireplace.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
5 Pieces of Equipment Gardeners Can’t Live Without
Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a hobby, talent or both and sometimes it’s just luck. Gardening is not as easy as it looks and involves dedication, time and consistency and many trials and errors. There are many aspects to maintaining a healthy garden, but some aspects are more important than others. An individual who likes to garden can have the knowledge to produce the best garden in the world, but without the right equipment and materials it just wouldn’t be possible.
Below you will find a list of the top 5 pieces of equipment which gardeners simply cannot live without:
1. Trowel – A trowel is a shovel-like piece of equipment which is used to dig up dirt and set small plants. There are many styles to choose from and type of handle on your trowel will determine how well it works. Easy grip, non-slide and non-slip grips are the best form of handle to choose. These will be easier to use and will require less work than any other form of trowel. A trowel with no grip will be difficult to use and could end up ruining your garden. Try one out in your hand first to ensure it feels comfortable. There’s nothing like having your hand cramp or the trowel slip while using it to dig in a beautiful, new plant.
2. Pitchfork – A pitchfork is a gardening tool which has 2-6 prongs and a long handle. The sizes of pitchforks vary, depending on what they are being used for. The space between each prong varies as well. Pitchforks are used to separate, lift and throw loose pieces of material such as dirt and leaves.
3. Spade – A gardening spade has a long, thick handle and a heavy flat blade. This tool is used to dig up and move pieces of dirt from one place to another. It can also be used to pack down dirt once the flower has been planted.
4. Pruning Shears – Pruning shears are tools which have a long handles and blades. This type of gardening equipment is used to allow gardeners to precisely prune rose bushes and other plants and unruly vines, etc. It can also be used to cut the grass at the edges of walkways and garden beds, in those hard to reach places. It is also used to trim the edges and remove dead leaves or wood on flowers. There is no other piece of gardening equipment which can do the same job as pruning shears. Without the use of this piece of equipment, your garden will end up looking messy and disorganized. Always, always, always invest in good quality pruning shears. Good ones have a lifetime guarantee and low-end ones will make shrapnel of your heritage rose.
5. Wheelbarrow – A wheelbarrow is one of the larger pieces of garden equipment. It is a cart with a handle and at least one wheel which is designed for easy transportation of materials from one place to another. Purchasing a wheelbarrow will save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you are off to the compost heap, and will make for a pleasant gardening experience. Another option is the 4-wheeled gardening cart.
There are many pieces of gardening equipment which will make this hobby easier and more efficient, however the ones listed above are recognized as the most important. These pieces of equipment will likely last a very long time. Colin Smith is a freelance write for http://www.gardenequipment101.com – a site that features information about playground equipment, swing sets, riding lawn mowers and more.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Below you will find a list of the top 5 pieces of equipment which gardeners simply cannot live without:
1. Trowel – A trowel is a shovel-like piece of equipment which is used to dig up dirt and set small plants. There are many styles to choose from and type of handle on your trowel will determine how well it works. Easy grip, non-slide and non-slip grips are the best form of handle to choose. These will be easier to use and will require less work than any other form of trowel. A trowel with no grip will be difficult to use and could end up ruining your garden. Try one out in your hand first to ensure it feels comfortable. There’s nothing like having your hand cramp or the trowel slip while using it to dig in a beautiful, new plant.
2. Pitchfork – A pitchfork is a gardening tool which has 2-6 prongs and a long handle. The sizes of pitchforks vary, depending on what they are being used for. The space between each prong varies as well. Pitchforks are used to separate, lift and throw loose pieces of material such as dirt and leaves.
3. Spade – A gardening spade has a long, thick handle and a heavy flat blade. This tool is used to dig up and move pieces of dirt from one place to another. It can also be used to pack down dirt once the flower has been planted.
4. Pruning Shears – Pruning shears are tools which have a long handles and blades. This type of gardening equipment is used to allow gardeners to precisely prune rose bushes and other plants and unruly vines, etc. It can also be used to cut the grass at the edges of walkways and garden beds, in those hard to reach places. It is also used to trim the edges and remove dead leaves or wood on flowers. There is no other piece of gardening equipment which can do the same job as pruning shears. Without the use of this piece of equipment, your garden will end up looking messy and disorganized. Always, always, always invest in good quality pruning shears. Good ones have a lifetime guarantee and low-end ones will make shrapnel of your heritage rose.
5. Wheelbarrow – A wheelbarrow is one of the larger pieces of garden equipment. It is a cart with a handle and at least one wheel which is designed for easy transportation of materials from one place to another. Purchasing a wheelbarrow will save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you are off to the compost heap, and will make for a pleasant gardening experience. Another option is the 4-wheeled gardening cart.
There are many pieces of gardening equipment which will make this hobby easier and more efficient, however the ones listed above are recognized as the most important. These pieces of equipment will likely last a very long time. Colin Smith is a freelance write for http://www.gardenequipment101.com – a site that features information about playground equipment, swing sets, riding lawn mowers and more.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
5 Perennials For Shade Gardens
We all know that flowers love sunshine, but did you realize that there are perennials that love the shade?
You can create a beautiful garden in the shade that can act as a cooling retreat on those hot summer days. By using perennials, your flowers will come up year after year for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Shade gardens offer much more than gardens that sit in the blazing sun all day. You can actually sit in them and enjoy them. Pull up a nice lounge chair or have a beautiful granite bench installed. Sit and read on a hot day, or just sip a drink and enjoy the birds and butterflies.
Like any other garden the best shade gardens will have taller plants in the back against the house or woods, medium growing plants in the middle and the shorter or ground cover plants on the inner edge. Since most perennials bloom for a short time, you ‘ll want to plant them so that you always have color in the garden. Stage the planting so that each area has a blooming plant at all times of the season.
Here’s a list of some perennials that thrive in the shade:
Astibe - This plant comes in 3 “sizes” which grow to 20", 30" and 40" in a variety of colors. You can make a whole garden just with this 1 flower! It looks best planted in groups and has clumps of fluffy flower spikes.
Foxglove - This is a great plant for the back row of the garden as it can grow to 5 feet tall. It comes in a variety of colors and has large spikes filled with bell shaped flowers. This beautiful flower is highly toxic if ingested so be careful with it around animals and small children.
Lily Of The valley - This wonderfully fragrant plant has dainty white bell shaped flowers. It is great for a ground cover or the front of the garden as it grows to only about 6" tall.
Lousiana Iris - This beautiful velvety purple black flower produces 4" blooms that last well into June. Plant in groups for best effect. Grows about 2 feet tall.
Virginia Blue Bells - This medium sized plant has lavender bell shaped clusters. It grows to about 2 feet in height and is very hardy and easy to grow despite it’s fragile appearance.
About the Author
Lee Dobbins is a contributing writer for Backyard Garden And Patio.com where you can find out more about building your dream garden and growing garden flowers
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
You can create a beautiful garden in the shade that can act as a cooling retreat on those hot summer days. By using perennials, your flowers will come up year after year for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Shade gardens offer much more than gardens that sit in the blazing sun all day. You can actually sit in them and enjoy them. Pull up a nice lounge chair or have a beautiful granite bench installed. Sit and read on a hot day, or just sip a drink and enjoy the birds and butterflies.
Like any other garden the best shade gardens will have taller plants in the back against the house or woods, medium growing plants in the middle and the shorter or ground cover plants on the inner edge. Since most perennials bloom for a short time, you ‘ll want to plant them so that you always have color in the garden. Stage the planting so that each area has a blooming plant at all times of the season.
Here’s a list of some perennials that thrive in the shade:
Astibe - This plant comes in 3 “sizes” which grow to 20", 30" and 40" in a variety of colors. You can make a whole garden just with this 1 flower! It looks best planted in groups and has clumps of fluffy flower spikes.
Foxglove - This is a great plant for the back row of the garden as it can grow to 5 feet tall. It comes in a variety of colors and has large spikes filled with bell shaped flowers. This beautiful flower is highly toxic if ingested so be careful with it around animals and small children.
Lily Of The valley - This wonderfully fragrant plant has dainty white bell shaped flowers. It is great for a ground cover or the front of the garden as it grows to only about 6" tall.
Lousiana Iris - This beautiful velvety purple black flower produces 4" blooms that last well into June. Plant in groups for best effect. Grows about 2 feet tall.
Virginia Blue Bells - This medium sized plant has lavender bell shaped clusters. It grows to about 2 feet in height and is very hardy and easy to grow despite it’s fragile appearance.
About the Author
Lee Dobbins is a contributing writer for Backyard Garden And Patio.com where you can find out more about building your dream garden and growing garden flowers
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
5 Most Popular Flowers for Your Garden
When planting a garden there are many questions which you must ask yourself before you begin. Where are you going to plant it, do you have the garden equipment to do so and how big do you want your garden to be? When do flowers bloom and what are their heights? These are all very important questions, however they mean very little if you have not yet decided which types of flowers you want to plant. There are many to choose from and don’t le anybody tell you which ones you can and can’t plant. Gardens are unique and fascinating to look at because each one is unique it its own way.
There are endless possibilities of flowers to choose from but if you are unsure of which types of flowers are known to look best in gardens, keep reading and you will find out. The following is a list of the five most popular types of garden flowers chosen by gardeners from all over the United States:
1. Cosmos - These flowers have the ability to grow anywhere from 12 inches to 4 feet tall. Cosmos are perfect for cutting gardens and are often picked out of gardens and used in flower arrangements.
2. Marigold – Marigolds can be found in yellow, orange, red or a combination of all colors. This type of flower blooms in 45 to 50 days from sowing and very rarely requires additional water than what the rain provides.
3. Morning Glory – Morning glories have heart shaped leaves and are available in a variety of colors including white, blue, red, pink and lavender. This type of flower has the capability to become more than ten feet high.
4. Zinnia – Zinnias are traditional, old fashioned flowers which are constantly blooming all season. If there is not a lot of rain, this type of flower will require watering on a consistent basis but try to get water on the foliage (leaves) as this can cause mold which can potentially cause the plant to die.
5. Sunflowers – There’s no better flower for your garden than the sunflower. Sunflowers have yellowish-orange petal with a black circle in the middle. These flowers can grow to be as tall as 6 feet or possibly even higher depending on the flower itself.
In order for your garden to flourish successfully, you will have to maintain it and keep it healthy on a daily basis. Watering cans, pruning shears, gloves and spades are all types of gardening equipment which will assist you in keeping your garden in good condition. These pieces of equipment are very important and are relatively inexpensive.
The types of flowers you choose will have a large impact on the overall outcome of your garden. The list above was provided as a guideline for novice gardeners who area unsure of which flowers may be most adaptable to a garden atmosphere.
Which flowers you choose will ultimately be your choice and regardless of the kinds or colors of your flowers, your garden will be a wonderful piece of work for everyone to admire. Colin Smith is a freelance write for http://www.gardenequipment101.com – a site that features information about patio furniture, wrought iron patio furniture, lawn mowers and more.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
There are endless possibilities of flowers to choose from but if you are unsure of which types of flowers are known to look best in gardens, keep reading and you will find out. The following is a list of the five most popular types of garden flowers chosen by gardeners from all over the United States:
1. Cosmos - These flowers have the ability to grow anywhere from 12 inches to 4 feet tall. Cosmos are perfect for cutting gardens and are often picked out of gardens and used in flower arrangements.
2. Marigold – Marigolds can be found in yellow, orange, red or a combination of all colors. This type of flower blooms in 45 to 50 days from sowing and very rarely requires additional water than what the rain provides.
3. Morning Glory – Morning glories have heart shaped leaves and are available in a variety of colors including white, blue, red, pink and lavender. This type of flower has the capability to become more than ten feet high.
4. Zinnia – Zinnias are traditional, old fashioned flowers which are constantly blooming all season. If there is not a lot of rain, this type of flower will require watering on a consistent basis but try to get water on the foliage (leaves) as this can cause mold which can potentially cause the plant to die.
5. Sunflowers – There’s no better flower for your garden than the sunflower. Sunflowers have yellowish-orange petal with a black circle in the middle. These flowers can grow to be as tall as 6 feet or possibly even higher depending on the flower itself.
In order for your garden to flourish successfully, you will have to maintain it and keep it healthy on a daily basis. Watering cans, pruning shears, gloves and spades are all types of gardening equipment which will assist you in keeping your garden in good condition. These pieces of equipment are very important and are relatively inexpensive.
The types of flowers you choose will have a large impact on the overall outcome of your garden. The list above was provided as a guideline for novice gardeners who area unsure of which flowers may be most adaptable to a garden atmosphere.
Which flowers you choose will ultimately be your choice and regardless of the kinds or colors of your flowers, your garden will be a wonderful piece of work for everyone to admire. Colin Smith is a freelance write for http://www.gardenequipment101.com – a site that features information about patio furniture, wrought iron patio furniture, lawn mowers and more.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
5 Factors of Selling a Home
There are five major factors to consider when selling a home. These factors will greatly influence not only the final price you will get for the property, but also how quickly it will sell and how much grief you will suffer through the sale.
Location
Over history it's been said the three things to look for in buying a property are (1) Location, (2) Location, and (3) Location. There are positive and negative factors to almost every location. Let's pretend your property is right next door to a fire station. You need the kind of marketing professional that can sell the benefits of not having to worry about your new home burning down, or perhaps the savings on fire insurance. Seriously, no matter where your property may be located, there is a ready, willing, and able buyer in the marketplace. The "problems" with the location of a property can be overcome, you just need a Realtor who will work hard to do so.
Your Realtor and his/her Company
Not all Realtors are the same. We each take different approaches to the marketing of your home. These range from as basic as placing the home on the MLS system and hoping it will sell, to Realtors who actively market the home through newspaper advertising and the Internet. You will likely have a positive Real Estate experience if you pick a Realtor who meets the following criteria:
Personality. It's hard to work with an agent you don't like. You won't trust him/her, and the entire experience will be a difficult one. You have enough on your mind without having to argue and bicker with your agent. No matter how good an agent is… if you don't like each other, then it won't be a good experience.
Availability. Having a full time Realtor (or a team of them) is vital to the successful sale of your home. If your Realtor isn't available to sell your house because he/she's "working a day job", then how committed is that Realtor to you?
Work Ethic. Just like any other professional in your life, you need a Realtor who is organized, professional, and hard working. Have you ever seen a lawyer show up for a case in sweat pants and a t-shirt? Or a doctor say; "I'm sorry, I can't deliver your baby because I have a 4:00 t-off time"? How about an accountant who can't manage his own finances? You should be able to expect the same level of professionalism from the agent you choose to represent you.
By having a professional Realtor working on your behalf, your entire experience will be more positive.
Terms
Are you flexible on possession dates? Is your property easy to show? Are you prepared to negotiate on appliances or other chattels? This flexibility makes your home much more attractive to potential buyers. For example, many out-of-town buyers won't even consider a home if the possession is not flexible. First time home buyers often have to purchase the appliances with the home because they have to put all of their savings into the down payment. Where are they going to get $3000 to buy appliances?
Condition
Making a good first impression is important in getting a property sold. Painting the front door and trim, making sure the doorbell works, putting furniture and clothing in storage, and cleaning off counter tops and fridges are just a few of the little things that can be done to make properties more marketable. Just remember, cleanliness and pride of ownership will get you more money than used dirt.
Price
Determining a price is more than just picking a number. It involves careful analysis of the property. Many things come into account when determining a price. In fact, it is often through price where short comings in the other factors are balanced. For instance, if your home has been damaged from bad renters, is difficult to gain access to, is right next door to a "drug-den", and is located between the city dump and the airport, then the home will have to be priced accordingly. But watch out, while the price can fix almost every short coming, it's not always the best solution.
Having a Realtor who will be honest with you about these factors is important, and could save you several thousand dollars.
John Carle & Sharon Gregresh are Realtors with Royal LePage - ArTeam in St. Albert, AB. They pride themselves on providing more than just real estate sales and listings. Their clients benefit from a much larger spectrum or real estate services. Contact them any time at information@workingtogether.ca or through their website at www.workingtogether.ca. They can be reached by phone at (780) 458-5595
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Location
Over history it's been said the three things to look for in buying a property are (1) Location, (2) Location, and (3) Location. There are positive and negative factors to almost every location. Let's pretend your property is right next door to a fire station. You need the kind of marketing professional that can sell the benefits of not having to worry about your new home burning down, or perhaps the savings on fire insurance. Seriously, no matter where your property may be located, there is a ready, willing, and able buyer in the marketplace. The "problems" with the location of a property can be overcome, you just need a Realtor who will work hard to do so.
Your Realtor and his/her Company
Not all Realtors are the same. We each take different approaches to the marketing of your home. These range from as basic as placing the home on the MLS system and hoping it will sell, to Realtors who actively market the home through newspaper advertising and the Internet. You will likely have a positive Real Estate experience if you pick a Realtor who meets the following criteria:
Personality. It's hard to work with an agent you don't like. You won't trust him/her, and the entire experience will be a difficult one. You have enough on your mind without having to argue and bicker with your agent. No matter how good an agent is… if you don't like each other, then it won't be a good experience.
Availability. Having a full time Realtor (or a team of them) is vital to the successful sale of your home. If your Realtor isn't available to sell your house because he/she's "working a day job", then how committed is that Realtor to you?
Work Ethic. Just like any other professional in your life, you need a Realtor who is organized, professional, and hard working. Have you ever seen a lawyer show up for a case in sweat pants and a t-shirt? Or a doctor say; "I'm sorry, I can't deliver your baby because I have a 4:00 t-off time"? How about an accountant who can't manage his own finances? You should be able to expect the same level of professionalism from the agent you choose to represent you.
By having a professional Realtor working on your behalf, your entire experience will be more positive.
Terms
Are you flexible on possession dates? Is your property easy to show? Are you prepared to negotiate on appliances or other chattels? This flexibility makes your home much more attractive to potential buyers. For example, many out-of-town buyers won't even consider a home if the possession is not flexible. First time home buyers often have to purchase the appliances with the home because they have to put all of their savings into the down payment. Where are they going to get $3000 to buy appliances?
Condition
Making a good first impression is important in getting a property sold. Painting the front door and trim, making sure the doorbell works, putting furniture and clothing in storage, and cleaning off counter tops and fridges are just a few of the little things that can be done to make properties more marketable. Just remember, cleanliness and pride of ownership will get you more money than used dirt.
Price
Determining a price is more than just picking a number. It involves careful analysis of the property. Many things come into account when determining a price. In fact, it is often through price where short comings in the other factors are balanced. For instance, if your home has been damaged from bad renters, is difficult to gain access to, is right next door to a "drug-den", and is located between the city dump and the airport, then the home will have to be priced accordingly. But watch out, while the price can fix almost every short coming, it's not always the best solution.
Having a Realtor who will be honest with you about these factors is important, and could save you several thousand dollars.
John Carle & Sharon Gregresh are Realtors with Royal LePage - ArTeam in St. Albert, AB. They pride themselves on providing more than just real estate sales and listings. Their clients benefit from a much larger spectrum or real estate services. Contact them any time at information@workingtogether.ca or through their website at www.workingtogether.ca. They can be reached by phone at (780) 458-5595
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
3 Things to Consider when Building a Greenhouse
A greenhouse has the potential to provide many benefits for the average flower-lover. However, if they are not built in the appropriate location the results can be detrimental. That said, before you build a greenhouse, it is important to consider all aspects in order to ensure you receive the best results possible.
If you are thinking of building a greenhouse, but are unsure of factors which can affect the outcome, read the information below which will inform you on everything you need to know before you start building. Consider the following factors when determining where you are going to build your greenhouse:
1. Light – Everyone knows that plants need light to grow and sunlight is even more crucial for greenhouses because there are so many different types of plants and flowers requiring light. You do not want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives no sunlight at all however you do not want to build it in an area which receives too much sun either. Not enough can be harmful to the plants and flowers, yet so can too much sun. You will want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives a minimum of 6 full hours of sunlight a day. You may also want to consider planting a tree on either side of your lighthouse which will provide some shade through the day. Overhanging trees are not a good idea and may put your greenhouse in danger due to falling branches.
2. Convenience – You will want to build your greenhouse in a convenient area which can be easily accessed, but is not in an area which may be targeted by high winds. You don’t want to have to walk a mile just to get to your greenhouse because chances are you won’t maintain it as well this way. Other things to consider when building your greenhouse are access to electricity and water. These are important in the successful functioning of your greenhouse.
3. Setting – The actual setting of your greenhouse will greatly affect its overall performance. Many areas throughout the world receive high levels of rain during certain times of the year. This can be detrimental to operation of your greenhouse since too much rain can cause flooding inside. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is by building your greenhouse in a high level area that is a great deal higher than most of the other property.
Choosing the location of your greenhouse is the most important factor you will need to consider. Take your time and research all your options before you start building. A greenhouse is a large investment and you want to make sure the money you spend now will be worth it in the future. Holly Masters loves to garden and takes pride in her greenhouse. She has spent much time learning proper hydroponics and serves as a contributing writer for http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com – a site that offers information about everything from storage sheds to gazebos.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
If you are thinking of building a greenhouse, but are unsure of factors which can affect the outcome, read the information below which will inform you on everything you need to know before you start building. Consider the following factors when determining where you are going to build your greenhouse:
1. Light – Everyone knows that plants need light to grow and sunlight is even more crucial for greenhouses because there are so many different types of plants and flowers requiring light. You do not want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives no sunlight at all however you do not want to build it in an area which receives too much sun either. Not enough can be harmful to the plants and flowers, yet so can too much sun. You will want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives a minimum of 6 full hours of sunlight a day. You may also want to consider planting a tree on either side of your lighthouse which will provide some shade through the day. Overhanging trees are not a good idea and may put your greenhouse in danger due to falling branches.
2. Convenience – You will want to build your greenhouse in a convenient area which can be easily accessed, but is not in an area which may be targeted by high winds. You don’t want to have to walk a mile just to get to your greenhouse because chances are you won’t maintain it as well this way. Other things to consider when building your greenhouse are access to electricity and water. These are important in the successful functioning of your greenhouse.
3. Setting – The actual setting of your greenhouse will greatly affect its overall performance. Many areas throughout the world receive high levels of rain during certain times of the year. This can be detrimental to operation of your greenhouse since too much rain can cause flooding inside. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is by building your greenhouse in a high level area that is a great deal higher than most of the other property.
Choosing the location of your greenhouse is the most important factor you will need to consider. Take your time and research all your options before you start building. A greenhouse is a large investment and you want to make sure the money you spend now will be worth it in the future. Holly Masters loves to garden and takes pride in her greenhouse. She has spent much time learning proper hydroponics and serves as a contributing writer for http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com – a site that offers information about everything from storage sheds to gazebos.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture
Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in
existence. It's been around for hundreds of years and
probably existed when the cave people got tired of squatting
on the dirt floor of their caves and looked around for a
better way.
The woods that are fashioned into furniture fall into three
categories:
1. Hardwoods
2. Softwoods
3. Composites
Even the term 'hardwood' or 'softwood' is deceptive.
Hardwoods aren't necessarily harder, denser material. For
example, balsa wood is one of the lightest, least dense
woods there is, and it's considered a hardwood. Technically,
lumber is classified based on how the tree reproduces. As a
general rule, though, softwood trees are evergreen year
round while the hardwoods create the gorgeous autumn foliage
that we all love so much.
Hardwoods are considered the highest quality and are the
most expensive. Their natural colors vary from the darkest
woods to the lightest ones and and they can be stained or
painted for even more variety. Hardwood furniture is least
likely to warp or bend and is prized in all high quality
homes. The five woods most commonly used in furniture
production are cherry, walnut, oak, maple and mahogany.
Softwoods are less expensive than hardwoods, but they
require extra care. Because they are less durable, it's much
easier to scratch or dent softwood furniture. In addition,
they often don't have the beautiful grains of a hardwood,
and therefore don't stain as beautifully.
Pine is an example of a softwood that is commonly used for
furniture. These woods are often used in construction as
well so the choicest pieces are reserved for furniture. In
construction, knots and splits are common. Lots of
construction lumber will not accept paint and this kind of
wood is used for shelves or packing crates.
The softwood used in furniture is designated as "Appearance"
lumber and includes most softwood lumber that has been
custom milled to a pattern or otherwise surfaced on all four
sides.
Composites are the cheapest form of wood and are literally
manufactured, rather than grown.
1. Plywood: multiple layers of thin wooden sheets are glued
together and pressed. Plywood is strong and resists
swelling, shrinking and warping. There is some furniture
made directly from plywood, but generally it is only used as
a support when incorporated into furniture.
2. Particle board: sawdust and small wood chips are mixed
with glue or resin which is then shaped and pressure
treated. When used for inexpensive furniture, particle board
is usually covered with laminate or veneer. This is
necessary because particle board splits easily and the
laminate prevents splitting. However, the downside is that
the laminate may separate from the wood because the particle
board responds to temperature and pressure changes by
swelling and shrinking.
3. Hardboard: is made like particle board but it's placed
under higher pressure so it's stronger.
4. MDF or Medium Density Fiberboard: wood particles are
bonded with resin and compressed. It is harder than particle
board or hardboard, and can be cut like plywood although it
isn't as strong as plywood. Some MDF is covered with
melamine which is a durable plastic in a variety of colors.
The exposed edges of MDF are rough and need covering with
molding or some other decorative material.
Technically, furniture made from all of these wood products
is "real" wood furniture, even the composites. Prices and
quality range from the hardwoods down to the composites.
The higher you go up the spectrum, the more you can expect
to pay for your wood furniture. The good part, of course,
is that with proper care hardwood furniture will last for
decades or even generations. If you can afford it, always
choose hardwood furniture.
About the Author
Read dozens of articles & constant new information on home decorating, furniture, unique home decor, home interiors & gifts, including a home blog, books on decorating and weekly specials.
http://online-home-shop.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
existence. It's been around for hundreds of years and
probably existed when the cave people got tired of squatting
on the dirt floor of their caves and looked around for a
better way.
The woods that are fashioned into furniture fall into three
categories:
1. Hardwoods
2. Softwoods
3. Composites
Even the term 'hardwood' or 'softwood' is deceptive.
Hardwoods aren't necessarily harder, denser material. For
example, balsa wood is one of the lightest, least dense
woods there is, and it's considered a hardwood. Technically,
lumber is classified based on how the tree reproduces. As a
general rule, though, softwood trees are evergreen year
round while the hardwoods create the gorgeous autumn foliage
that we all love so much.
Hardwoods are considered the highest quality and are the
most expensive. Their natural colors vary from the darkest
woods to the lightest ones and and they can be stained or
painted for even more variety. Hardwood furniture is least
likely to warp or bend and is prized in all high quality
homes. The five woods most commonly used in furniture
production are cherry, walnut, oak, maple and mahogany.
Softwoods are less expensive than hardwoods, but they
require extra care. Because they are less durable, it's much
easier to scratch or dent softwood furniture. In addition,
they often don't have the beautiful grains of a hardwood,
and therefore don't stain as beautifully.
Pine is an example of a softwood that is commonly used for
furniture. These woods are often used in construction as
well so the choicest pieces are reserved for furniture. In
construction, knots and splits are common. Lots of
construction lumber will not accept paint and this kind of
wood is used for shelves or packing crates.
The softwood used in furniture is designated as "Appearance"
lumber and includes most softwood lumber that has been
custom milled to a pattern or otherwise surfaced on all four
sides.
Composites are the cheapest form of wood and are literally
manufactured, rather than grown.
1. Plywood: multiple layers of thin wooden sheets are glued
together and pressed. Plywood is strong and resists
swelling, shrinking and warping. There is some furniture
made directly from plywood, but generally it is only used as
a support when incorporated into furniture.
2. Particle board: sawdust and small wood chips are mixed
with glue or resin which is then shaped and pressure
treated. When used for inexpensive furniture, particle board
is usually covered with laminate or veneer. This is
necessary because particle board splits easily and the
laminate prevents splitting. However, the downside is that
the laminate may separate from the wood because the particle
board responds to temperature and pressure changes by
swelling and shrinking.
3. Hardboard: is made like particle board but it's placed
under higher pressure so it's stronger.
4. MDF or Medium Density Fiberboard: wood particles are
bonded with resin and compressed. It is harder than particle
board or hardboard, and can be cut like plywood although it
isn't as strong as plywood. Some MDF is covered with
melamine which is a durable plastic in a variety of colors.
The exposed edges of MDF are rough and need covering with
molding or some other decorative material.
Technically, furniture made from all of these wood products
is "real" wood furniture, even the composites. Prices and
quality range from the hardwoods down to the composites.
The higher you go up the spectrum, the more you can expect
to pay for your wood furniture. The good part, of course,
is that with proper care hardwood furniture will last for
decades or even generations. If you can afford it, always
choose hardwood furniture.
About the Author
Read dozens of articles & constant new information on home decorating, furniture, unique home decor, home interiors & gifts, including a home blog, books on decorating and weekly specials.
http://online-home-shop.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
25 Christmas Stocking Filler Ideas For Your Teenage Girl
You may think that Christmas stocking fillers for teenage girls will be expensive but they don’t have to be.
Save the DVD’S and CD’S to go under the Christmas tree and use this list as a starting point for buying smaller treats and necessities for her stocking.
Remember that a lot of the items you would have to buy anyway (or get talked into buying!) so by adding them as small gifts at Christmas time you are keeping ahead of the game.
1. Candles and candle holders
2. Photo frames
3. Underwear and socks/ tights
4. Toiletries, hair accessories and cosmetics (nail varnish, makeup brushes, deodorant, face masks, bubble bath, lipstick and moisturiser)
5. Notebook/diary/journal
6. Magazines / books
7. Chocolate and sweets (Always a favourite!)
8. Handbag
9. Purse/wallet
10. Key ring
11. Ornaments / things for room such as a dream catcher, chimes, lamp etc
12. Clock – either a wall clock, alarm clock or new watch.
13. Jewellery (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings etc)
14. Jewellery box (You need to keep all that jewellery that was in the stocking somewhere!)
15. Pens and pencils
16. Disposable camera / photo album.
17. Writing paper/envelopes/cards
18. Posters or postcards to decorate bedroom
19. Storage boxes / magazine holders / desk tidies
20. Mobile phone top up cards or a prepaid phone card
21. Mobile phone accessories such as a new cover, ring tone, game or picture icon
22. Teddy bear.....Well you have to have one more to keep the others company!
23. Gift vouchers for clothes, cinema tickets, restaurants/cafes, beauty salons (for a manicure, facial etc)
24. Electronic games - Not just for boys!
25. Hobby and interest items – Add items which she is interested in and can use whether she likes fashion and makeup, art, sport, horses, reading or computers.
If you are still stuck for ideas or need a few extra items simply listen to your teenage girl when you are out shopping. Take notes of the “I like that”…….. “Oh wow”……… and so on! Good luck and have fun collecting all of the things she will love opening on Christmas morning!
About The Author
Emily Goodwin is the owner and artist/crafter of http://www.emelegifts.com. She makes unique, handmade cards and gifts for all occasions
Subscribe to her monthly newsletter and get entered into a free prize draw. http://www.emelegifts.com/prize-draw.htm
This article may be reproduced on websites, in e-zines and offline subject to credit being given to the author with a link to the website http://www.emelegifts.com. No part can be changed and the complete author bio must be included. If you would like more information email info@emelegifts.com
info@emelegifts.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Save the DVD’S and CD’S to go under the Christmas tree and use this list as a starting point for buying smaller treats and necessities for her stocking.
Remember that a lot of the items you would have to buy anyway (or get talked into buying!) so by adding them as small gifts at Christmas time you are keeping ahead of the game.
1. Candles and candle holders
2. Photo frames
3. Underwear and socks/ tights
4. Toiletries, hair accessories and cosmetics (nail varnish, makeup brushes, deodorant, face masks, bubble bath, lipstick and moisturiser)
5. Notebook/diary/journal
6. Magazines / books
7. Chocolate and sweets (Always a favourite!)
8. Handbag
9. Purse/wallet
10. Key ring
11. Ornaments / things for room such as a dream catcher, chimes, lamp etc
12. Clock – either a wall clock, alarm clock or new watch.
13. Jewellery (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings etc)
14. Jewellery box (You need to keep all that jewellery that was in the stocking somewhere!)
15. Pens and pencils
16. Disposable camera / photo album.
17. Writing paper/envelopes/cards
18. Posters or postcards to decorate bedroom
19. Storage boxes / magazine holders / desk tidies
20. Mobile phone top up cards or a prepaid phone card
21. Mobile phone accessories such as a new cover, ring tone, game or picture icon
22. Teddy bear.....Well you have to have one more to keep the others company!
23. Gift vouchers for clothes, cinema tickets, restaurants/cafes, beauty salons (for a manicure, facial etc)
24. Electronic games - Not just for boys!
25. Hobby and interest items – Add items which she is interested in and can use whether she likes fashion and makeup, art, sport, horses, reading or computers.
If you are still stuck for ideas or need a few extra items simply listen to your teenage girl when you are out shopping. Take notes of the “I like that”…….. “Oh wow”……… and so on! Good luck and have fun collecting all of the things she will love opening on Christmas morning!
About The Author
Emily Goodwin is the owner and artist/crafter of http://www.emelegifts.com. She makes unique, handmade cards and gifts for all occasions
Subscribe to her monthly newsletter and get entered into a free prize draw. http://www.emelegifts.com/prize-draw.htm
This article may be reproduced on websites, in e-zines and offline subject to credit being given to the author with a link to the website http://www.emelegifts.com. No part can be changed and the complete author bio must be included. If you would like more information email info@emelegifts.com
info@emelegifts.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
16 Lawn Mower Safety Tips
1. Always read the instruction manual before operating your lawnmower. I know it sounds boring but there is a very good reason you are supposed to read it (didn’t you ever wonder why you were never able to set the time on your vcr?).
2. Always pick up all foreign objects before you start mowing. Types of items that can adversely affect your mower are rocks, branches (even small twigs sometimes), kids toys, hoses.
3. Don’t allow children or pets to play in the yard while you are mowing the lawn.
4. Take note of what the instruction manual says about handling your lawn mower. If it says to push it then don’t pull it. Sounds obvious, but some mowers are built to go in a specific direction.
5. Don’t fill the tank of the lawn mower with gas in an enclosed area such as under the house, in a garage or in a shed. This can lead to a buildup of combustible fumes.
6. Don’t smoke anything and keep any other kind of open flame far away while filling your gas tank.
7. Avoid storing oil, gas and petrol in unmarked containers, especially containers that have been previously used for something edible.
8. Don’t add fuel to your lawnmower while the engine is running or the mower is still hot.
9. Fill your gas tank before starting your mowing each time you use your mower.
10. Young kids should not be allowed to operate your lawn mower. If you are going to let your child operate your lawn mower make sure you give them clear instructions and a full safety briefing before they begin and, depending on their age, never leave them alone.
11. Remove the spark plug before doing any maintenance work on your lawn mower.
12. Do not start the engine while you are inside any type of enclosed area (shed, building etc). This could lead to a toxic build up of fumes.
13. Don’t walk away from the lawn mower while the engine is running. If you do have to walk away a short distance (such as to carry mulch) make sure you keep a good eye on the lawn mower at all times.
14. If you need to make some types of adjustments to the lawn mower mechanics then always make sure that the engine is switched off.
15. Always wear closed shoes and long pants while mowing.
16. Keep well clear of the discharge chute during lawn mowing as dangerous objects can be hurled at quite a velocity from the chute.
About the Author
Lawn Domain offers free information, articles and tips on how to keep your lawns, mowers and tractors in tip top condition. Find out more at http://www.lawndomain.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
2. Always pick up all foreign objects before you start mowing. Types of items that can adversely affect your mower are rocks, branches (even small twigs sometimes), kids toys, hoses.
3. Don’t allow children or pets to play in the yard while you are mowing the lawn.
4. Take note of what the instruction manual says about handling your lawn mower. If it says to push it then don’t pull it. Sounds obvious, but some mowers are built to go in a specific direction.
5. Don’t fill the tank of the lawn mower with gas in an enclosed area such as under the house, in a garage or in a shed. This can lead to a buildup of combustible fumes.
6. Don’t smoke anything and keep any other kind of open flame far away while filling your gas tank.
7. Avoid storing oil, gas and petrol in unmarked containers, especially containers that have been previously used for something edible.
8. Don’t add fuel to your lawnmower while the engine is running or the mower is still hot.
9. Fill your gas tank before starting your mowing each time you use your mower.
10. Young kids should not be allowed to operate your lawn mower. If you are going to let your child operate your lawn mower make sure you give them clear instructions and a full safety briefing before they begin and, depending on their age, never leave them alone.
11. Remove the spark plug before doing any maintenance work on your lawn mower.
12. Do not start the engine while you are inside any type of enclosed area (shed, building etc). This could lead to a toxic build up of fumes.
13. Don’t walk away from the lawn mower while the engine is running. If you do have to walk away a short distance (such as to carry mulch) make sure you keep a good eye on the lawn mower at all times.
14. If you need to make some types of adjustments to the lawn mower mechanics then always make sure that the engine is switched off.
15. Always wear closed shoes and long pants while mowing.
16. Keep well clear of the discharge chute during lawn mowing as dangerous objects can be hurled at quite a velocity from the chute.
About the Author
Lawn Domain offers free information, articles and tips on how to keep your lawns, mowers and tractors in tip top condition. Find out more at http://www.lawndomain.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
15 Minutes To Lower Electric Consumption Of Refrigerator
I recently had a customer ask for my advise about cleaning her refrigerator.
I started to describe the pros and cons of different cleaners that can be used to clean the interior when she stopped me abruptly. “I know all about that stuff ”, she informed me, “I mean the black coil thing on the back”.
So, in response to this common question I offer the following step-by-step directions.
Firstly, the ’black coil thing’ at the rear of the refrigerator is called a condenser. Without too much technical jargon, its job is to dissipate heat into the kitchen. It does this by the condensation of the refrigerant gas. Hence, its name. The condenser tubing is usually seen on the rear of a refrigerator. It is produced in a serpentine form with additional fins running across it for added heat dissipation.
“Heat, I thought we were talking about refrigerators, not stoves”.
You will have to believe me when I say: ‘a refrigerator does not produce cold air’. Rather, its job is to transfer heat from inside the refrigerator cabinet to the outside. While doing this it removes heat from your food and that results in your food becoming cold.
So, who cares! You should. Because a major part in this transferring of heat is the ‘black coil thing’ we have been talking about. Yes, that’s right, the condenser.
Without the condenser our refrigerator would not operate. Therefore, we are going to learn how to do basic maintenance of this part and keep our refrigerator in tip-top shape.
------------------------------
So let’s begin
Tools required:
ท Vacuum cleaner
ท Brush or vacuum brush attachment
ท Cotton rag
ท Light strength household cleaner
ท Garbage bag
1. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it.
2. The condenser will be the radiator-looking part on the rear of the refrigerator.
3. Use a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust buildup on the condenser. Remember, the condenser is made of thin tubing and is full of a high-pressure (130 psig) gas. So be gentle. If you injure the tubing a simple cleaning could turn into an expensive repair.
4. If you have a pet expect to see a large accumulation of animal fur on the condenser. If a lot of dust or fur is present then clean off with a dry rag and dispose into the garbage bag. We suggest using the dry rag method first to avoid clogging up the vacuum hose.
5. Next, use the vacuum cleaner to finish the basic cleaning of the condenser. The brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner works particularly well at this point. The brush will allow you to get in between all the fins and remove the dust hiding there.
6. Finish by cleaning the condenser with a rag dampened with water. Avoid using any cleaner. Since the condensers job is to transfer heat any residue left by a cleaner could impede this process. Under no circumstances use something like furniture polish (example lemon furniture polish) or a dust removal spray. It will leave a waxy residue that will end up attracting more dust. Something that works extremely well is a static duster (not the dusting clothes). If you are not sure what I mean, it is the cleaning device that looks like a cats’ tail attached to a long handle. They are great because they pick up dust without using any chemicals.
7. Use the vacuum to remove dust from the cardboard cover that is near the bottom rear of the refrigerator. It is covering the area where the compressor and electrical components reside. It will usually have holes in it where dust can accumulate.
8. Vacuum any dust from the floor and the cavity where the refrigerator normally resides. Vacuum the sides of the refrigerator. If there is a kick plate (floor level grille) at the front of the refrigerator vacuum it also. Hint: Do not remove the kick plate to clean. Some are very difficult to re-install.
9. Plug in the refrigerator and push back into place.
That’s it … that’s all. The whole process should have taken approximately 15 minutes.
In the space of a few minutes you have accomplished a number of objectives. You have removed a major source of dust from your home; made the refrigerator operate more efficiently; and lowered your electrical consumption.
Even though it is an easy job, it is one that usually gets forgotten. So don’t wait until the serviceman arrives once every few years to do this.
It is a very important cleaning project for the reasons already stated. Therefore, this is a job that should be placed right near the top of your next spring-cleaning list.
About the Author: Copyright 2005 by Donald Grummett. All right reserved. In the trade over 30 years as a technician, business owner, and technical trainer. For more information about appliances including FAQ, Stain guide, and Recycling visit http://www.mgservices.ca
Source: www.isnare.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
I started to describe the pros and cons of different cleaners that can be used to clean the interior when she stopped me abruptly. “I know all about that stuff ”, she informed me, “I mean the black coil thing on the back”.
So, in response to this common question I offer the following step-by-step directions.
Firstly, the ’black coil thing’ at the rear of the refrigerator is called a condenser. Without too much technical jargon, its job is to dissipate heat into the kitchen. It does this by the condensation of the refrigerant gas. Hence, its name. The condenser tubing is usually seen on the rear of a refrigerator. It is produced in a serpentine form with additional fins running across it for added heat dissipation.
“Heat, I thought we were talking about refrigerators, not stoves”.
You will have to believe me when I say: ‘a refrigerator does not produce cold air’. Rather, its job is to transfer heat from inside the refrigerator cabinet to the outside. While doing this it removes heat from your food and that results in your food becoming cold.
So, who cares! You should. Because a major part in this transferring of heat is the ‘black coil thing’ we have been talking about. Yes, that’s right, the condenser.
Without the condenser our refrigerator would not operate. Therefore, we are going to learn how to do basic maintenance of this part and keep our refrigerator in tip-top shape.
------------------------------
So let’s begin
Tools required:
ท Vacuum cleaner
ท Brush or vacuum brush attachment
ท Cotton rag
ท Light strength household cleaner
ท Garbage bag
1. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it.
2. The condenser will be the radiator-looking part on the rear of the refrigerator.
3. Use a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust buildup on the condenser. Remember, the condenser is made of thin tubing and is full of a high-pressure (130 psig) gas. So be gentle. If you injure the tubing a simple cleaning could turn into an expensive repair.
4. If you have a pet expect to see a large accumulation of animal fur on the condenser. If a lot of dust or fur is present then clean off with a dry rag and dispose into the garbage bag. We suggest using the dry rag method first to avoid clogging up the vacuum hose.
5. Next, use the vacuum cleaner to finish the basic cleaning of the condenser. The brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner works particularly well at this point. The brush will allow you to get in between all the fins and remove the dust hiding there.
6. Finish by cleaning the condenser with a rag dampened with water. Avoid using any cleaner. Since the condensers job is to transfer heat any residue left by a cleaner could impede this process. Under no circumstances use something like furniture polish (example lemon furniture polish) or a dust removal spray. It will leave a waxy residue that will end up attracting more dust. Something that works extremely well is a static duster (not the dusting clothes). If you are not sure what I mean, it is the cleaning device that looks like a cats’ tail attached to a long handle. They are great because they pick up dust without using any chemicals.
7. Use the vacuum to remove dust from the cardboard cover that is near the bottom rear of the refrigerator. It is covering the area where the compressor and electrical components reside. It will usually have holes in it where dust can accumulate.
8. Vacuum any dust from the floor and the cavity where the refrigerator normally resides. Vacuum the sides of the refrigerator. If there is a kick plate (floor level grille) at the front of the refrigerator vacuum it also. Hint: Do not remove the kick plate to clean. Some are very difficult to re-install.
9. Plug in the refrigerator and push back into place.
That’s it … that’s all. The whole process should have taken approximately 15 minutes.
In the space of a few minutes you have accomplished a number of objectives. You have removed a major source of dust from your home; made the refrigerator operate more efficiently; and lowered your electrical consumption.
Even though it is an easy job, it is one that usually gets forgotten. So don’t wait until the serviceman arrives once every few years to do this.
It is a very important cleaning project for the reasons already stated. Therefore, this is a job that should be placed right near the top of your next spring-cleaning list.
About the Author: Copyright 2005 by Donald Grummett. All right reserved. In the trade over 30 years as a technician, business owner, and technical trainer. For more information about appliances including FAQ, Stain guide, and Recycling visit http://www.mgservices.ca
Source: www.isnare.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
12 Worst Trees to Plant in Your Lawn
12 Worst Trees to Plant in Your Lawn
Tom Ogren
1.Fruitless mulberry trees: roots break lawnmowers and these trees really pump out the allergenic pollen. Shade is also too deep for lawns.
2.Sweetgum trees: big roots that poke out of the lawn.
3.Pine trees: root problems and pollen too.
4.Sycamore trees: usually grow way too large for most yards and they produce fuzz that makes people itch.
5.Cedar trees: a female cedar is a nice, pollen-free tree, but grows way too large for most houses and yards.
6. Magnolia trees: these have shallow roots and if you ever have to rototill your yard, if you have a magnolia tree in the lawn, you’ll be sorry. Shade is too dense too for most lawns.
7.Lombardy poplars: these common trees grow fast and die young, leaving you with a huge mess. They also are male and produce lots of pollen.
8.Olive trees: unless it is a Swan Hill or some other non-flowering olive, this one will cause all kinds of allergies. The olives are a big mess too.
9.Walnut trees: nothing grows well under them and they produce lots of pollen and also smelly walnut fruit husks that draw flies.
10. Brazilian Pepper trees: roots are a problem for mowing, the shade is too deep for lawns, and they cause skin rashes and other allergies.
11. Seedless or fruitless Chinese Pistache trees: big producers of the most allergenic pollen. Slow to leaf out in spring.
12. Catalpa trees: slow to leaf out in spring and fast to lose their leaves in the fall. No real fall color at all and they are known to shed considerable amounts of allergenic pollen each spring.
About the Author
Thomas Ogren is the author of Allergy-Free Gardening, Ten Speed Press. Tom does consulting work on for the USDA, county asthma coalitions, and the American Lung Associations. He has appeared on CBS, HGTV and The Discovery Channel. His book, Safe Sex in the Garden, was published 2003. In 2004 Time Warner Books published his latest: What the Experts May NOT Tell You About: Growing the Perfect Lawn. His website: www.allergyfree-gardening.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Tom Ogren
1.Fruitless mulberry trees: roots break lawnmowers and these trees really pump out the allergenic pollen. Shade is also too deep for lawns.
2.Sweetgum trees: big roots that poke out of the lawn.
3.Pine trees: root problems and pollen too.
4.Sycamore trees: usually grow way too large for most yards and they produce fuzz that makes people itch.
5.Cedar trees: a female cedar is a nice, pollen-free tree, but grows way too large for most houses and yards.
6. Magnolia trees: these have shallow roots and if you ever have to rototill your yard, if you have a magnolia tree in the lawn, you’ll be sorry. Shade is too dense too for most lawns.
7.Lombardy poplars: these common trees grow fast and die young, leaving you with a huge mess. They also are male and produce lots of pollen.
8.Olive trees: unless it is a Swan Hill or some other non-flowering olive, this one will cause all kinds of allergies. The olives are a big mess too.
9.Walnut trees: nothing grows well under them and they produce lots of pollen and also smelly walnut fruit husks that draw flies.
10. Brazilian Pepper trees: roots are a problem for mowing, the shade is too deep for lawns, and they cause skin rashes and other allergies.
11. Seedless or fruitless Chinese Pistache trees: big producers of the most allergenic pollen. Slow to leaf out in spring.
12. Catalpa trees: slow to leaf out in spring and fast to lose their leaves in the fall. No real fall color at all and they are known to shed considerable amounts of allergenic pollen each spring.
About the Author
Thomas Ogren is the author of Allergy-Free Gardening, Ten Speed Press. Tom does consulting work on for the USDA, county asthma coalitions, and the American Lung Associations. He has appeared on CBS, HGTV and The Discovery Channel. His book, Safe Sex in the Garden, was published 2003. In 2004 Time Warner Books published his latest: What the Experts May NOT Tell You About: Growing the Perfect Lawn. His website: www.allergyfree-gardening.com
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
10 Ways to Survive Building or Remodeling Your Home
1. Think of the project as a new diet.
Who doesn’t want to lose at least five pounds? This is one way to do it. Between running to stores all day and evening long, meeting with contractors, inspecting the work, searching the Western world for the perfect light fixture, who has time to eat? Provided you don’t sabotage this new, unorthodox diet plan, with McDonalds drive through, you’re good for losing five pounds. If you are a masochistic type who does some of the work yourself - whether it be painting, laying tile, landscaping the yard - you can count on another five to ten pounds of weight loss. Just think, you may be miserable, frustrated, exhausted, and down right cynical about the good of the humankind, but your jeans will fit nicely!
2. Write checks as aerobic exercise.
These workouts are great for toning the wrist and fingers. Usually done in hectic spurts as you race out the door in the morning while the contractors are breathing down your neck and your kids are beating each other with the lunch boxes you just prepared, the stress and frantic activity are sure to raise your heartbeat for a good hour. Grumbling under your breath that the plumber, electrician, or you name it, isn’t really worth this much money adds greater intensity and calorie burn to this little publicized exercise regime.
3. Save money through shopping burnout.
Yes, even the most die-hard shopper will come to dread setting foot in any store. This affliction starts innocently enough as you go to look for light fixtures. How hard can it be? Hard! Either the light you want is being shipped from Yugoslavia and won’t arrive until your youngest child buys his own home, or you just can’t find the one you want. You’ll shop every lighting and electrical store you know. You’ll search Home Depot. You’ll haunt hardware stores. And then there’s plumbing fixtures. Sink centers, faucet handles, finishes, special orders. What’s all that about? And the cost. You’d think you were outfitting the palace for a former third world dictator. Of course, there’s carpet, tile, hardwood, stairs, siding, windows. Enough already. And you thought it was a pain picking mints and sweet table treats for your wedding.
After your 1000th trip to Home Depot (or Lowes or Menards or whatever), in addition to all the other trips you’ve made for items that shouldn’t count as shopping (toilet seats, for example), you’ve had it. Your friends won’t be able to bribe you to check out the latest sale at Bloomingdales. You’ll think it will be better when you can pick out "fun" things like paint, wall paper, drapes, fabric, furniture ... but don’t bet on it. At this point, the pressure to make your home look like something other than an empty rat maze will counteract any joy in shopping. Spending this much money has never been such a miserable experience. As a result, when your home becomes half-way presentable, you’ll refuse to shop again - even for groceries - for at least six months. The money you save during this shopping hiatus will be sufficient for you to resume this previously pleasurable past time once more without guilt.
4. Impress your friends with obscure facts.
Only someone that has built or remodeled their home can explain the fluid dynamics of a proper toilet water swirl. Or cite the International Building Code that calls for no more than 6’ between electrical outlets. Or brag that triple glazed windows are really the wave of the future for light emitting device technology. See what I mean? :)
5. Pride yourself on your new creative skills.
You’ll discover a creative side that you never knew existed. Like how to wash dishes in the bath tub. And how to make a full course meal for a family of four using nothing more than a toaster and hot plate. Or how to fit an entire family in a house smaller than your first apartment. They say that necessity is the mother of invention. That’s probably true, but I also think that the only thing that separates modern and pioneer life is just one kitchen or bath remodeling project.
6. Yell at someone other than your kids - and not feel guilty.
Honestly, as a modern woman trying to juggle the running of our homes, possibly a job, and the future Olympic soccer aspirations of our children, you have the primal need to yell. At someone. Anyone. Often our spouse and children suffer from this need of ours to release pent up negative energy generated from nothing more than some miniature human leaving smelly gym shoes on the kitchen table. (Ok, that probably deserves a bit of yelling - we eat at this table!) But when you remodel your house, you have a whole cast of characters - and believe me, they’re characters - that often deserve a good scream from time to time. Like when they tell you that they tore out the fireplace because they didn’t think it looked right. Or when they show you a mistake made three weeks ago that now requires half the house to be torn down in order to fix. Yelling isn’t immature or a result of too much estrogen, it’s therapy.
7. Throw out (finally) your significant other’s treasured [fill in the blank] from his bachelor days.
You know what I mean. It could be the semi-nude poster he won’t get rid of. Or his collection of exotic beer cans. Or all of his Sports Illustrated magazines since the Chicago Bears last won the Superbowl. Now is the perfect time to get rid of it. If you need to move out of your house while the remodeling is done, or you are moving to a new home, such an opportune time may never occur again. Say it won’t fit in the rental house. It’s either this or his golf clubs. Gently remind him that the sentimental item really serves as a reminder of his advancing years. Anything. Get rid of it. It will be one positive you can remind yourself of when the stress of remodeling makes you feel that this project was the biggest mistake of your life.
8. Grow closer to your family through forced bathroom sharing.
The saying goes that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Perhaps that wise pundit had to share a closet sized bathroom with three kids and a spouse. In reality, there’s no greater way to create intimacy in a family than by all trying to get ready for the morning in the same 7’x 5’ space. You’ll learn new exciting things about your children - like toilet paper is purely optional for little boys. You’ll discover that there is no bond quite like the one created when the entire family brushes their teeth together over the same sink. You’ll realize why the older generation of your relatives only washed their hair once a week instead of facing communal bathroom time. But most importantly, you’ll no longer need to yell at your kids to hurry up for school - they’re standing right next to you.
9. Earn free flights from all of your purchases.
In what is admittedly (and somewhat sheepishly) the only practical survival tip on this list, get an airline mileage credit card. Charge everything on it - lights, plumbing fixtures, windows, doors, lumber, carpet. The windows alone can get you close to one free trip. Whether you decide to share your miles with anyone else in the family or to escape on your own to a world of quiet solitude and, preferably, an open bar, is entirely up to you.
10. Hire some good looking contractors and feel like you’re 15 years old again.
Hey, guys get a whole chain of restaurants and bars where the main attraction is busty waitresses in tight t-shirts (Hooters). Why can’t us gals have some eye candy once in a while? Besides, it’s a productivity tool. You’ll be more likely to inspect the job or meet the architect if some young, fit, good-looking men are there - especially in the summer months when shirts tend to become optional. For example, we once hired a roofing crew of male model wannabees for a house we built. My husband called them the "Beefcake Roofers." They created quite a stir in the neighborhood that summer. Let me tell you, it made rushing to stop by the house to go over notes with the trades first thing in the morning a bit more interesting - and much more fun!
Finally, remember, the end result of your new house will be worth the aggravation of the process. Plus, think of all the good stories you can tell!
About the Author
A veteran of numerous home remodeling and building projects, Julie Lohmeier has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. She shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other various rants at www.myhomeredux.com?SRV_GO.
copyright 2005, Julie Lohmeier, www.myhomeredux.com
Use this report in its entirety with proper acknowledgement and copyright.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Who doesn’t want to lose at least five pounds? This is one way to do it. Between running to stores all day and evening long, meeting with contractors, inspecting the work, searching the Western world for the perfect light fixture, who has time to eat? Provided you don’t sabotage this new, unorthodox diet plan, with McDonalds drive through, you’re good for losing five pounds. If you are a masochistic type who does some of the work yourself - whether it be painting, laying tile, landscaping the yard - you can count on another five to ten pounds of weight loss. Just think, you may be miserable, frustrated, exhausted, and down right cynical about the good of the humankind, but your jeans will fit nicely!
2. Write checks as aerobic exercise.
These workouts are great for toning the wrist and fingers. Usually done in hectic spurts as you race out the door in the morning while the contractors are breathing down your neck and your kids are beating each other with the lunch boxes you just prepared, the stress and frantic activity are sure to raise your heartbeat for a good hour. Grumbling under your breath that the plumber, electrician, or you name it, isn’t really worth this much money adds greater intensity and calorie burn to this little publicized exercise regime.
3. Save money through shopping burnout.
Yes, even the most die-hard shopper will come to dread setting foot in any store. This affliction starts innocently enough as you go to look for light fixtures. How hard can it be? Hard! Either the light you want is being shipped from Yugoslavia and won’t arrive until your youngest child buys his own home, or you just can’t find the one you want. You’ll shop every lighting and electrical store you know. You’ll search Home Depot. You’ll haunt hardware stores. And then there’s plumbing fixtures. Sink centers, faucet handles, finishes, special orders. What’s all that about? And the cost. You’d think you were outfitting the palace for a former third world dictator. Of course, there’s carpet, tile, hardwood, stairs, siding, windows. Enough already. And you thought it was a pain picking mints and sweet table treats for your wedding.
After your 1000th trip to Home Depot (or Lowes or Menards or whatever), in addition to all the other trips you’ve made for items that shouldn’t count as shopping (toilet seats, for example), you’ve had it. Your friends won’t be able to bribe you to check out the latest sale at Bloomingdales. You’ll think it will be better when you can pick out "fun" things like paint, wall paper, drapes, fabric, furniture ... but don’t bet on it. At this point, the pressure to make your home look like something other than an empty rat maze will counteract any joy in shopping. Spending this much money has never been such a miserable experience. As a result, when your home becomes half-way presentable, you’ll refuse to shop again - even for groceries - for at least six months. The money you save during this shopping hiatus will be sufficient for you to resume this previously pleasurable past time once more without guilt.
4. Impress your friends with obscure facts.
Only someone that has built or remodeled their home can explain the fluid dynamics of a proper toilet water swirl. Or cite the International Building Code that calls for no more than 6’ between electrical outlets. Or brag that triple glazed windows are really the wave of the future for light emitting device technology. See what I mean? :)
5. Pride yourself on your new creative skills.
You’ll discover a creative side that you never knew existed. Like how to wash dishes in the bath tub. And how to make a full course meal for a family of four using nothing more than a toaster and hot plate. Or how to fit an entire family in a house smaller than your first apartment. They say that necessity is the mother of invention. That’s probably true, but I also think that the only thing that separates modern and pioneer life is just one kitchen or bath remodeling project.
6. Yell at someone other than your kids - and not feel guilty.
Honestly, as a modern woman trying to juggle the running of our homes, possibly a job, and the future Olympic soccer aspirations of our children, you have the primal need to yell. At someone. Anyone. Often our spouse and children suffer from this need of ours to release pent up negative energy generated from nothing more than some miniature human leaving smelly gym shoes on the kitchen table. (Ok, that probably deserves a bit of yelling - we eat at this table!) But when you remodel your house, you have a whole cast of characters - and believe me, they’re characters - that often deserve a good scream from time to time. Like when they tell you that they tore out the fireplace because they didn’t think it looked right. Or when they show you a mistake made three weeks ago that now requires half the house to be torn down in order to fix. Yelling isn’t immature or a result of too much estrogen, it’s therapy.
7. Throw out (finally) your significant other’s treasured [fill in the blank] from his bachelor days.
You know what I mean. It could be the semi-nude poster he won’t get rid of. Or his collection of exotic beer cans. Or all of his Sports Illustrated magazines since the Chicago Bears last won the Superbowl. Now is the perfect time to get rid of it. If you need to move out of your house while the remodeling is done, or you are moving to a new home, such an opportune time may never occur again. Say it won’t fit in the rental house. It’s either this or his golf clubs. Gently remind him that the sentimental item really serves as a reminder of his advancing years. Anything. Get rid of it. It will be one positive you can remind yourself of when the stress of remodeling makes you feel that this project was the biggest mistake of your life.
8. Grow closer to your family through forced bathroom sharing.
The saying goes that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Perhaps that wise pundit had to share a closet sized bathroom with three kids and a spouse. In reality, there’s no greater way to create intimacy in a family than by all trying to get ready for the morning in the same 7’x 5’ space. You’ll learn new exciting things about your children - like toilet paper is purely optional for little boys. You’ll discover that there is no bond quite like the one created when the entire family brushes their teeth together over the same sink. You’ll realize why the older generation of your relatives only washed their hair once a week instead of facing communal bathroom time. But most importantly, you’ll no longer need to yell at your kids to hurry up for school - they’re standing right next to you.
9. Earn free flights from all of your purchases.
In what is admittedly (and somewhat sheepishly) the only practical survival tip on this list, get an airline mileage credit card. Charge everything on it - lights, plumbing fixtures, windows, doors, lumber, carpet. The windows alone can get you close to one free trip. Whether you decide to share your miles with anyone else in the family or to escape on your own to a world of quiet solitude and, preferably, an open bar, is entirely up to you.
10. Hire some good looking contractors and feel like you’re 15 years old again.
Hey, guys get a whole chain of restaurants and bars where the main attraction is busty waitresses in tight t-shirts (Hooters). Why can’t us gals have some eye candy once in a while? Besides, it’s a productivity tool. You’ll be more likely to inspect the job or meet the architect if some young, fit, good-looking men are there - especially in the summer months when shirts tend to become optional. For example, we once hired a roofing crew of male model wannabees for a house we built. My husband called them the "Beefcake Roofers." They created quite a stir in the neighborhood that summer. Let me tell you, it made rushing to stop by the house to go over notes with the trades first thing in the morning a bit more interesting - and much more fun!
Finally, remember, the end result of your new house will be worth the aggravation of the process. Plus, think of all the good stories you can tell!
About the Author
A veteran of numerous home remodeling and building projects, Julie Lohmeier has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. She shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other various rants at www.myhomeredux.com?SRV_GO.
copyright 2005, Julie Lohmeier, www.myhomeredux.com
Use this report in its entirety with proper acknowledgement and copyright.
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
10 Ways to Keep Your Fitness Plan on Track During the Holida
ARA) - The average American does a little too much celebrating at this time of year. Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, most of us will gain seven pounds as a result of indulging in extra helpings, snacking on holiday treats, having an extra glass of wine and exercising less.
Life Time Fitness, Inc., a Healthy Way of Life company that operates 30 multi-purpose, state-of-the-art Sports, Fitness and Recreational Centers in eight national markets -- Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, Arizona, and Texas -- has set the industry standard in providing consumers with the absolute finest in sports and fitness centers
“This is an especially challenging time of year for those who are trying to maintain healthy habits such as working out and eating low-fat, low-calorie foods,” says Jeff Zwiefel, vice president of the nutritional products division at Life Time Fitness. "We're constantly urged to have another helping, enjoy a holiday treat or skip the workout to go shopping instead. No wonder nearly everyone gains weight," he points out.
But complete deprivation is not the answer. "The holidays are meant to be enjoyed," Zwiefel says. "At Life Time Fitness, we think it's possible to balance healthy habits with enjoying special gatherings and traditions. We encourage balance and moderation in all areas of your life," he says.
Here are 10 great tips, courtesy of Zwiefel, for staying fit and eating well over the holidays.
1) Drink lots of water throughout the day. It suppresses the appetite and is something everyone should do year round.
2) Snack on fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods whenever possible. Dried fruits are healthy and a good alternative to many sweet snacks such as cookies and candy.
3) Limit alcohol consumption. Remember that alcohol contains almost as many calories per gram as fat. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or club soda while you're at a party.
4) Enjoy the outdoors as much as possible: bundle up and take the dog for a walk, and try skating or sledding; squeeze 10-minute walks into your schedule. Any extra activity helps.
5) Health and fitness centers offer a combination of cardio and resistance-training opportunities, as well as group fitness classes and personal training, that are essential to maintaining a healthy way of life. If you’re thinking about joining a fitness center, fall is a great time to sign up.
6) Acknowledge that you're probably going to miss some workouts during this time and plan now to work around it. Schedule different times or substitute another activity, even if it's at home.
7) Eat a nutritious meal or snack before you attend events or parties where there is a lot of food, or use a small plate to avoid overindulging. Another good tip is to leave at a reasonable hour. In addition to helping you get enough sleep during this hectic time of year, you'll also be removing yourself from the temptation to continue eating unnecessary calories.
8) For the 9 out of 10 adults who do not get the essential daily vitamins and nutrients from the food they eat, nutritional supplements should be considered. Life Time Fitness offers a full line of nutritional products, including men’s and women’s multivitamins, energy bars and shakes and weight-loss supplements.
9) Enlist the help of a family member or friend to help keep you on track with healthy habits during the holidays. Choose someone who can provide not only encouragement, but a good example as well.
10) Remember that balance, variety and moderation apply to holiday celebrations as well as to most other things in life, so don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up. Keep your good intentions, spend time with family and friends and enjoy the holidays.
For more information about Life Time Fitness centers and nutritional products, please visit www.lifetimefitness.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Life Time Fitness, Inc., a Healthy Way of Life company that operates 30 multi-purpose, state-of-the-art Sports, Fitness and Recreational Centers in eight national markets -- Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, Arizona, and Texas -- has set the industry standard in providing consumers with the absolute finest in sports and fitness centers
“This is an especially challenging time of year for those who are trying to maintain healthy habits such as working out and eating low-fat, low-calorie foods,” says Jeff Zwiefel, vice president of the nutritional products division at Life Time Fitness. "We're constantly urged to have another helping, enjoy a holiday treat or skip the workout to go shopping instead. No wonder nearly everyone gains weight," he points out.
But complete deprivation is not the answer. "The holidays are meant to be enjoyed," Zwiefel says. "At Life Time Fitness, we think it's possible to balance healthy habits with enjoying special gatherings and traditions. We encourage balance and moderation in all areas of your life," he says.
Here are 10 great tips, courtesy of Zwiefel, for staying fit and eating well over the holidays.
1) Drink lots of water throughout the day. It suppresses the appetite and is something everyone should do year round.
2) Snack on fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods whenever possible. Dried fruits are healthy and a good alternative to many sweet snacks such as cookies and candy.
3) Limit alcohol consumption. Remember that alcohol contains almost as many calories per gram as fat. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or club soda while you're at a party.
4) Enjoy the outdoors as much as possible: bundle up and take the dog for a walk, and try skating or sledding; squeeze 10-minute walks into your schedule. Any extra activity helps.
5) Health and fitness centers offer a combination of cardio and resistance-training opportunities, as well as group fitness classes and personal training, that are essential to maintaining a healthy way of life. If you’re thinking about joining a fitness center, fall is a great time to sign up.
6) Acknowledge that you're probably going to miss some workouts during this time and plan now to work around it. Schedule different times or substitute another activity, even if it's at home.
7) Eat a nutritious meal or snack before you attend events or parties where there is a lot of food, or use a small plate to avoid overindulging. Another good tip is to leave at a reasonable hour. In addition to helping you get enough sleep during this hectic time of year, you'll also be removing yourself from the temptation to continue eating unnecessary calories.
8) For the 9 out of 10 adults who do not get the essential daily vitamins and nutrients from the food they eat, nutritional supplements should be considered. Life Time Fitness offers a full line of nutritional products, including men’s and women’s multivitamins, energy bars and shakes and weight-loss supplements.
9) Enlist the help of a family member or friend to help keep you on track with healthy habits during the holidays. Choose someone who can provide not only encouragement, but a good example as well.
10) Remember that balance, variety and moderation apply to holiday celebrations as well as to most other things in life, so don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up. Keep your good intentions, spend time with family and friends and enjoy the holidays.
For more information about Life Time Fitness centers and nutritional products, please visit www.lifetimefitness.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
Get Free Content at ContentMart.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)