Home Improvement Information
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Flax Seed will add a little extra flavor to your recipes.

Flax seed will add a pleasant nutty taste to any recipe. The attractive, round reddish-brown seeds of flax add flavor, extra texture and good nutrition to your breads, cakes, muffins, and other baked goods. That’s why flax has been used for many years in multi-grain cereals and snack foods. Flax seed also will give you many vitamins that are otherwise hard to get. When cooking, be aware that f. . .

The right Shower Curtain will make your bathroom look great!

A shower curtain can add the perfect touch to any bathroom. Whether you like simple pastel colors or more elegant designs, be sure to choose the shower curtain that compliments the look of the rest of the bathroom. Fortunately, there are many shower curtain designs to choose from. Patterns of almost all kinds and a full spectrum of colors are available, so be sure to hunt around till you fin. . .

If you have any Antique Clocks...keep them. They may be valuable keepsakes!

Been shopping for antique clocks lately? It’s strange that when something is new they are fascinating and cutting edge. Then they become a common place. After a century or so, they become rare, untouchable museum pieces or antiques. An antique clock is not different. It acts as a representation of the time past, a reflection of the culture transformed. Or it may just look great!Antique clocks m. . .

An Alarm Clock will help you start the day right!

If you have been wondering about the problem of time alerts, an alarm clock is the answer. It's a common story – "I was so tired yesterday that I overslept." Then there are those appointments that we cannot keep sometimes, and wish that someone or something could alert us to the fact that it is time. In this day and age we have an answer to this never ending concern. The answer is - Alarm Clock. . .

Tiles are the foundation stone for your stylish bathroom!

Tiles can increase the value of any home. Ceramic tiles, mosaic tile, floor tile all add an extra quality to your home. Tile can be found throughout a home from the kitchen, bathrooms, and even the flooring. Tiles are widely available in most home improvement stores and also in specialty stores throughout the company. Finding the right tile for a home with the right color, design, and even patt. . .

Why not add a Shower to your bathroom?

If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom and redoing or adding showers to them, consider all of your choices. The age we live in has allowed us many choices in what we want in our homes. We can choose from high end, high quality items to comfortable old favorites. When looking to redo or install a shower in your bathroom, you have many things to consider.Start by knowing the size of the . . .

Linens and Things for your Bathroom!

Linens and Things is a store that specializes in everything linen! Really, it is like a home store with so many options for everyday uses and even the extravagant uses of everyday things. Other stores like Bed, Bath and Beyond and Bath and Body works are similar in what they carry. But, let us talk about linens n things first.This store, like the others offer many products. Most of these have t. . .

Here's what a Jacuzzi will do for you!

Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a home. Having some idea what type and what uses you will have for it, are keys to purchasing the right one for you.There's nothing like going to a hotel and finding out you are in the jacuzzi suites! Of course, many people request this when traveling. Jacuzzis can take away a lot of stress and worry just in a few minutes time. Jacuzzi t. . .

Beautiful, elegant Bathtubs that spruce up any Bathroom.

Bathtubs have become an important necessity of our daily life for many reasons. Who hasn’t enjoyed the comfort of soaking in a nice, hot tub at the end of a particularly hard day. They give washrooms a bathrooms a complete look; after all without them they look vacant. Bathtubs come in different sizes, color, shapes and material.Bathtubs are of different types and have different names according. . .

The Right Bathroom Accessories will make your Bathroom unforgetable!

Bathrooms aren't just about the basics but are about the bathroom accessories! Bathrooms have become places to relax and unwind. They are not just for doing your business and leaving. People have spent time in designing a place to find peace and quiet! And the bathroom accessories that you have in there will help accomplish this!Yes, bathrooms have toilets and bathroom sinks. Yes, there are rea. . .

The Bathroom…the forgotten area of your home?

The bathroom in your home is the one room that has undergone a complete transformation in the past several years. A transformation that is as far as how it is defined. Kitchens are to cook and eat in, living rooms are still for living and entertaining in and the garage still holds vehicles and junk (not to mention lot’s of tools). But the bathroom has evolved so far beyond its traditional funct. . .

High Thread Count Bed Sheets" What It Means

High thread count bed sheets are much advertised, but what exactly does “high thread” count mean? You know that it means quality and comfort, but if you have ever wondered what the term means technically, or how high a thread count should be, then read on. Cotton and silk are woven fabrics. The number of threads used in their weaving are counted by the square inch. For example a thread count o. . .

The Hope Of A Single Crocus

The Hope Of A Single CrocusHelaine Iris©2003Finally, I was able to see my lawn. After an unusually long, and cold winter it emerged from the snow, dead and brown, yet ready to receive the warmth of the sun and the promise of spring. I flew out my back door with my rake in hand. I couldn’t wait to begin scratching up the lifeless grass from last year and remove the soggy and decaying leaves. The. . .

Press ReleasePermescape introduces UL Classified, Permanently Installed Fire Escape Systems ...

PermEscape manufacturers the first UL Classified, self-contained, permanently installed residential fire escape system to reduce the risk of getting trapped in multi-level dwellings. Fenton, MO July 17, 2004 -- A few years back on his way home from work, Stan Weber of PermEscape heard of yet another terrifying . . .

Caring For Your Bed Linen

- How To Launder  You spent time and money on your bed linen and you want it to stay as lovely as it was when you bought it. Good linen will last a lifetime if well cared for.Because bed linen is washed so frequently correct laundering plays a big part in preserving it. If you are buying brand new bed linen the care label should tell you exactly how to wash and dry it, but failing that the foll. . .

How To Clean A Mattress

I work for the housekeeping department in one of the most reputed hotels in my town and mattresses are my specialty. Everything from purchasing decision to their maintenance is handled by me. So, I guess I should not be surprised if every other day one of my friends or their friends calls up to asks me "How do I clean the mattress?". Everyone wants a tip on how to clean the mattress.As I kept r. . .

Teach Cats To Use Scratching Posts

REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter, ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).You may retrieve this article by:Autoresponder: stickypa. . .

How to Plant Tulips

Quality Dutch tulip bulbs are easy to come by and fairly inexpensive to purchase. You can get them through a mail order catalogue or a reputable green house. It is becoming increasingly popular to buy flower bulbs from online nurseries. The downfall to buying bulbs online is that you cannot inspect the bulbs prior to purchase. The highest quality of bulbs, especially tulips, comes from Holland. . .

Remove Chewing Gum From Carpet

To , you can use your hair dryer. Just heat the gum, being careful not to melt any carpet fibers. Then you can use a piece of plastic wrap or a plastic bag to lift the softened gum away. Allow it to stick to the plastic, and pull it up. This will often get most of the gum.For the remaining chewing gum, apply Extra Strength Ben Gay, or another muscle rub containing methly salicylate. Use plastic. . .

Tips For Making Your Silk Flower Arrangement Beautiful

Nearly anyone can learn to arrange flowers. You do not have to be a professional to make a beautiful silk flower arrangement. Silk flowers are an excellent choice for beginners because they are easy to work with and last forever.The best place to begin is to decide where the flowers will be placed. A flower arrangement that is for the centerpiece of a dining table will definitely look different. . .

Pruning Roses Secrets

Pruning your roses is one of the most needed and the most annoyingly difficult tasks that goes with proper rose care. It takes a steady hand the proper procedure to ensure the best possible roses that you can get. Pruning your roses is basically the act of getting rid of dead and damaged pieces, and teaching the new growth to grow in the correct outward facing direction. That just means that yo. . .

Water Works Hydroponics

systems are probably the most basic form of hydroponics kits available. The way they function is fairly simple to understand. The roots of the plants are constantly submerged under water.water works systems do not provide proper aeration of the roots. To allow roots to breath, a pump must be used, usually an external one connected to a air line running into the reservoir. At the other end of t. . .

How To Choose A Camera System

There are many reasons to install a camera system. If you own a business, you may want to be able to identify or avoid theft or keep vandalism from your property. Or you may just want to be able to keep an eye on things without actually being there physically. As a homeowner there are a bunch of other reasons to have a camera system. You may be having trouble with a neighbor, trespassers, v. . .

Remove Ink Stains From Carpet - 3 Steps

One of the best solvents you can use to remove ink stains from carpet is also one of the cheapest: rubbing alcohol. It works better if it is 90% isopropyl alcohol, but there is no danger in trying the ones that are 70% if that's what you have available. Whichever you use, remember that ink stain removal is always easier if you treat the stains quickly. Just follow the steps below. 1. Apply rubb. . .

Make A Stunning Dried Hydrangea Wreath

Dried hydrangea wreaths are so beautiful and versatile in a home, and a lot of fun to make as well. You can either purchase already dried hydrangea flowers from your local craft store, or you can dry your own. The biggest trick when drying your own is the timing of when you pick the flowers. It is best to pick them right before you anticipate your first fall frost. If you pick them mid. . .

Patenting Bioresearch And Drug Development In the Wake of The U.S. Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued a landmark patent decision giving drug companies more leeway to develop new medicines, ruling that compounds patented by rivals do not bar them from starting research on new competing medications. The unanimous ruling in Merck KGaA v. Integra Lifesciences I, Ltd., set aside a lower-court ruling for patent holder Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp. Integr. . .

Glow Light Tetra - A Lovely and Peaceful member of your community tank

Glowlight TetraBrings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a warm spot in their heart for a little fish with a big name, the 1 ½-inch hemigrammus erythrozonus… or mush easier to say, the glowlight tetra. Like its little cousin, the neon tetra, the glowlight is an easy fish to keep in a community tank. In fact, many neon keepers, tired of battling neon disease, move towa. . .

Beds In A Bag Make You An Instant Designing Pro!

If you feel bedroom-designing challenged like I am, then bed in a bag sets may just be perfect for you! Everything you need comes in one complete set, and is designed to match or coordinate perfectly.With no guess work, your bedroom will come out looking just like those in the finest home design magazines and at a price you can afford.If you stick with the better designer brands names like Lawr. . .

Grandfather Clocks bring a sense of Awe…they're so tall.

Standing tall and big are the stately grandfather clocks. They are huge, immense beings with personalities of their own, and do they tell time. Boy oh boy - do they tell time. They also go ding dong a lot. At least the antique grand father clocks would. One has to realize that grandfather clocks are less about time than they are about other things.What are those other things, one might wonder? . . .

It’s a Jungle in There: Creating a Tropical Paradise in Your Home

(ARA) - Bold floral prints. Palm leaf motifs. Bamboo garden torches. This season’s tropical look is hotter than sand on bare feet at the beach. Even poolside serveware has taken on the look of the islands with bright fish motifs, umbrella drink picks and monkey swizzle sticks. Why the obsession with all things tropical? “It’s reminiscent of leisurely vacations and offers an escape from people’s. . .

Your Plants and Your Wallet will Love Rainwater

(ARA) - Avid gardeners spend a good part of the winter planning what they will plant in the spring. Even casual gardeners invest plenty of time and money in their plants. Regular watering is one key to a successful garden. So what’s a gardener to do when faced with lack of rainfall combined with water restrictions in the middle of a hot summer? More and more gardeners are turning to rain barrel. . .

Recycle For Cash:A second fridge is costly to you and the environment

A second fridge is costly to you and the environment(NC)—This is not a true statement. You could say something like: "A second, operating fridge could be costing you up to $100 per year on your hydro bill, say energy analysts, and the coolant chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) emitted by the fridge, contribute untold and unnecessary pressure on our planet's ozone shield. It is further calculated that b. . .

Comfort and Style for your Bedroom!

Beds, bunk beds, bedspreads and other bedroom furniture make any home comfortable and relaxing. Whether it’s bunk beds for the little kids, bedspreads or trundle beds, it’s best to choose beds that fit in with the style and décor of the rest of your house. However, comfort in beds is still the most important ingredient when selecting a bed.Four poster beds, metal beds, children’s beds and adjus. . .

Homeowner Tip:Receive $30 for your old, second fridge

Receive $30 for your old, second fridge(NC)—At the beginning of September, BC Hydro re-launched its Power Smart Refrigerator Buy-Back Program, an initiative designed to conserve energy, reduce chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the environment, and allow their customers to reduce their electricity bill. For the next year, BC Hydro will pay its homeowner customers $30 to pick up that old energy guzzl. . .

Energy-Smart Tip:Recycle your fridge – and make money

Recycle your fridge – and make money(NC)—Did you know that your refrigerator swallows up electricity at a rate of 1124-kilowatt hours (kWh) per year and up to 12364-kWh over its operational life? The household refrigerator is responsible for as much as $741.84 on your electricity bill during its lifetime and emits into the atmosphere untold chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the chemicals suspected fo. . .

Add Value to Your Home Before It’s Built

(ARA) - Building a new home involves a great deal of planning and decision-making. Making smart choices before construction begins could help protect the future property value of your home. From home design to the inclusion of energy saving products, the most important decisions must be made well before the foundation is poured. A critical decision is making the right termite control choice. No. . .

Going to the Chapel and They’re Going to Buy a Mattress

(ARA) - When it comes to wedding planning there is a little tradition in all of us. Even the most contemporary brides find themselves looking for something “borrowed” or something “blue” as they prepare to walk down the aisle. Yet today’s wedding registries reflect less conventional choices, such as vacation destinations or nest egg contributions, rather than the typical china, flatware and hou. . .

Home Decorators Emboldened

(ARA) - The latest home decorating color trends reflect an “anything goes” attitude, according to Dutch Boy color specialists. No one trend dominates the decorating arena, and the combinations of colors seem to be endless. “The dominant theme is eclectic, rather than one specific trend,” says Peggy Van Allen, Dutch Boy color services manager. “Consumer choices are driven by individuality and di. . .

Don’t Lose Sleep Over Moving Day Obstacles

(ARA) - Relocating to a new home, whether it’s a classic bungalow, an urban walk-up or even a new college dorm, is an exciting adventure. Moving day can also prove to be frustrating, with obstacles like narrow hallways, sharp turns or multiple flights of stairs that make maneuvering large or bulky furniture into a new residence difficult or even impossible. One-third (34 percent) of Americans h. . .

A Look at the Ludicrous Laundry Divide: How Splitting Up Chores Can Help Achieve Household Harmony

(ARA) - Almost every woman in America knows the feeling: you leave your partner to do the laundry and return to find that your linens are pink, your blouses are bleached, and your favorite jeans are three sizes too small. It’s no wonder that in households across America, 89 percent of women are still primarily responsible for doing the laundry. According to a recent national survey commissioned. . .

How to Plant 100 Tulip Bulbs in 30 Minutes

(ARA) - Every fall intrepid gardeners ponder their properties and plan for the new year. Or, more likely, every spring property owners drive about and jealously wonder why they did not plan ahead for beautiful spring colors bursting from tulips, daffodils and crocus. Well, now is the time to plan ahead and get your garden in shape. If you want a high visual impact with early spring colors, then. . .

Artistry, Espionage and the Triumph of Toile

(ARA) - Toile, the subtly elegant printing technique that tells stories in engraving-like detail, traveled a fascinating history of its own to become the enduring favorite of designers, decorators and homeowners everywhere. Toile, pronounced twal, is an abbreviation of toile de Jouy. The name comes from Jouy-en-Josas, France, where the first plant to commercially produce this type of printing w. . .

Thinking of Remodeling your kitchen?

If you like to cook, or even if you just do it from necessity, having a homely, organized, and modern kitchen is probably important to you. Although, the traditionally kitchens are still out there, there are so many new, modern elements that can add luxury and class and convenience to any home. Kitchens have changed with the way humans have changed in the last few years. We have become more dem. . .

Kitchen Cabinets are the soul of your kitchen.

Kitchen cabinets reflect the heart and soul of the homeowner. The cabinets you have in your kitchen have the greatest impact on a kitchen's look. They come in many shapes and sizes as well as in a rainbow of colors. Only your imagination and your bank account limit the color and design of your cabinets. You can buy cabinets pre-made at your local home supply store or have them custom built.You . . .

This is why people Should consider Granite Countertops!

Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can add to your kitchen. Kitchen countertops gain a beautiful glow from these pieces of art. They are made in nature and, once harvested by people, are refined into beautiful kitchen countertops that will add value to any kitchen. They come in many colors, colors that are made in nature and of true iridescent quality.Of course there ar. . .

Wallpaper doesn't just cover...it defines the room!

Wallpaper is often overlooked as a key part of an attractive home. The right wallpaper will add character to any room in the house, and will also allow a homeowner to cheaply and quickly change the look of their house. From a brightly decorated nursery to a soft bedroom background, wallpaper will create the right tone for any room in your house. It also gives a homeowner a great chance to expre. . .

Here's why interior decorating makes a statement about you!

Interior decorating is that medium which can make your closed spaces convey to the observer a lot about you and your lifestyle through strategic use of elements which range from the visual (color, lighting, form) to the tactile (surface, shape, texture) to the auditory (noise, echo). The more alluring the result, the more the aesthetic, practical and technical appreciation for these elements th. . .

Tasteful home decorating changes your house into a home!

There is this undocumented story about Andrew Carnegie who kept postponing the decision to redecorate his home just because black, his default color of choice, was simply not used in home decorating those days! Mercifully today, you could well translate your home decorating ideas into alluring reality. For home interior decorating no longer means just coloring your walls in pastel shades and sh. . .

Interior design simply means personalizing your interior environment!

Interior Design today is all about customizing your built environment with conceptual planning, aesthetic sense and technical solutions applied to achieve the desired result. It goes beyond just the visual or ambient enhancement of an interior space, it seeks to optimize and harmonize the uses to which the built environment will be put. Between you and me, this jargon simply means dressing up y. . .

Decorating? Then make a smart flooring choice!

Set the stage for your beautiful room decor with a smart flooring choice. And no matter what flooring material you choose, it should be serviceable for your lifestyle. Cleanability, durability, longevity and moisture and allergen resistance are the hallmark of good flooring. Flooring sets the tone for the look and feel of a room. But beyond appearance, the choice of flooring material should be . . .

Decorating, where there's a will there's a way!

Decorating anything is one of the easiest things in the world! And when it comes to decorating your home, if one has a will and there is always a way. It helps, of course, to know about materials, including building materials, textiles and fabrics and furnishings including antique and modern furnishings. Add to this a few home decorating ideas and you can transform your house into a home that b. . .

A beautiful Carpet sets the mood of any room.

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 spa. . .

Blinds add a touch of warmth, beauty and decor to any room!

Like fine furniture, window blinds add a special touch of warmth and rich, natural beauty to any room. They set the mood, and give you extra privacy. The right style of blinds adds character to the inside of your room. The window treatment industry has truly evolved over the years. Today it is so easy to find colors and blind types to match your window treatment needs. Choose from a variety of . . .

Wall Clocks tell time and decorate!

Clocks can be of any type - they could be wall clocks that not only decorates the walls, but also tells time or a mantel piece resting on one's table etc.. Wall Clocks can be of one of two types. Analog and Digital. While digital clocks are precise, the analog clock serve the same purpose. With the increasing need to be accurate, and every microsecond accounted for Digital clocks are the way to. . .

Where did we get clocks from anyway?

A clock is simply a device that measures time. Typical clocks have faces and hands. The long hand measures time in minutes while the short hand in hours. Clocks vary in forms, sizes and shapes but all perform the same task-to tell time. Almost all activities depend on this device, making life easier and more organized.History of Clocks.Way back during the old times, people rely on sun and water. . .

An Infinity Mortgage ?

Here in Spain the concept of a mortgage period of 20 or 25 years is something new. The general feeling by the banks is that want their money back more quickly than banks in countries in which they are accustomed to longer periods. The borrowers are also accustomed to the idea that the guiding principle is to pay off the mortgage as quickly as possible.First TimersThe problem for all those peopl. . .

Towel Radiators: Add a Luxurious touch to Your Bathroom

(ARA) - The thought of stepping from the shower or bathtub into a warm, fluffy towel speaks of the kind of luxury you expect to find in hotels and homes across Europe. But wouldn’t it be great to have that kind of luxury in your own home? Resembling ultra modern, extended towel bars in a multitude of colors and designs, the Zehnder towel radiators serve two purposes: providing an even, radiant . . .

Wear Your He(art) on Your Walls

(ARA) - You’ve heard the phrase “wearing your heart on your sleeve” -- now you can wear your heart (or your favorite photo) on your wall. Thanks to advanced printing technology, you can personalize your living space with wall murals created exclusively for you, using a favorite photo or piece of art. Murals My Way, a new division of Environmental Graphics, has developed custom software and prin. . .

Don’t Let Sink Shopping be a ‘Draining’ Experience

(ARA) - It’s one of the most used items in your home, but how much do you really know about kitchen sinks? Which materials are the most scratch or stain resistant? Which can withstand hot pots and pans from the oven or stove? Are there certain sinks that will chip and others that don’t? Which sinks perform better -- stainless, composite, cast iron or solid surface? As you can tell, not all sink. . .

Create an Underwater Adventure in Your Child’s Room

(ARA) – Decorating a child’s room can be a challenge. You want to create a room that reflects your child’s growth and personality throughout the years, without breaking the piggybank each time they have a new whim. “Winnie the Pooh is a popular theme in kids’ rooms right now, so is Barbie and anything having to do with the ocean. When Disney’s ‘Finding Nemo’ first came out, we were overrun with. . .

A Perfect ‘Pet’ Project for Every Home

Decorating with Wallpaper By Jaima Brown A majority of all American households -- 58.3 percent -- has at least one pet, according to the most recent edition of "U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics." Contrary to popular wisdom, cats are the most common "best friend." There are 70 million pet cats in this country, compared with 60 million pet dogs. Cat or dog, these beloved creatures are increasi. . .

Plant Now for Colorful Spring Blooms

(ARA) - Tracie Andrescik plants up to 200 bulbs every fall. “I guess I’m the bulb queen. I love the waves of color and early spring blooms I get with bulbs,” says Andrescik. “I just keep planting more every year because I love the effect and I like to experiment with new bulbs and colors.” Fall bulb planting involves planning, and digging lots of holes, but many gardeners feel it’s well worth t. . .

Add Some Pizzazz to Your Powder Room!

(ARA) -- It’s a room with a toilet and a sink. Maybe a window, if you’re lucky. The average size is a tiny four feet by five feet. And if it can’t get any worse, it’s probably the most frequently used room in your house -- especially for guests and visitors. Yes, it’s the powder room . . . also known as the half-bath or guest bath. While for years this has been a miniscule room, often forgotten. . .

When it Comes to Doors, Homeowners Want Privacy, Light

(ARA) - What do homeowners want in window and door blinds? Ease of maintenance and operation, privacy on the main living floor and window and door treatments that enhance their lifestyle and the look of their homes. These are the research highlights gained by ODL, Inc., Zeeland, Mich., when developing the company’s newly-enhanced ODL Add-On Enclosed Blind that can be added on to fiberglass and . . .

Hand-Painted Furniture: The Must-have Home Furnishings of the Season

(ARA) – From armoires to wooden figurines to headboards and accent mirrors, home furnishings are canvases for artists around the world. Adorned with floral patterns, Asian motifs and other ethnic-inspired designs, hand-painted furniture and accessories are the must-have items of the season. “Hand-painted home furnishings are taking center stage in the home, adding a world-inspired flare and sty. . .

Wildfires Rage; Do You Know How to Protect Your Home?

(ARA) -To some, the danger from potential wildfire is obvious while others don’t realize the threat until a fire rages at the backdoor. According to a recent survey commissioned by Safeco Insurance, more than eight of 10 respondents in three of the country’s top hotspots said they were concerned about the threat of wildfires. Yet less than half of those surveyed were able to recall prevention s. . .

A Change in Season Reflects a Change in Mood

(ARA) – Change is in the air. Fall is here and winter isn’t far away. It’s one of the busiest times of year for interior decorators. “The reason we’re so busy is people really get energized in the fall,” says Thomas Pheasant, an award winning interior designer from Washington, D.C. “The change in temperature serves as a signal to start focusing more on the indoors to get ready for winter.” Phea. . .

Staying in Tune with the Change of Season

(ARA) – Now the summer is winding down, leaves will soon start turning color and falling from the trees, signaling the change of season. We’ll enjoy brilliant colors for a short time, then there will be no color at all. “Outside anyway,” says Terri Mattson, an interior designer who works for Fifth Avenue Design in Minneapolis, Minn. This time of year, her company is overrun with phone calls fro. . .

Landscape Lighting Design Ideas to Showcase Your Home

(ARA) - Landscape lighting used to be simple. A few recessed can fixtures lining the front path, a couple downlights tucked in the trees, and you were done. Not anymore. When it comes to the great outdoors, homeowners have seen the light. "Today, the biggest excitement in outdoor lighting is the whole artistic aspect," says Dan Blitzer, education consultant for the American Lighting Association. . .

How to Choose the Right Flooring to Fit Your Lifestyle

(ARA) – Choosing the right floor for your home is a big decision. It sets the tone for the whole interior of your house, and is the foundation for everything else you put in a room. Your choice should fit not only the way you want your home to look, but also the way your family lives. “When making a decision about flooring, keep in mind such factors as design options, comfort, warmth, safety an. . .

Make Your Spa an At-home Getaway

(ARA) - Nothing is more inviting during the cooler months than a warm, soothing soak. The experts at SpaGuard recommend following these steps to ensure clear, comfortable spa water. 1. Circulate spa water to distribute the chemicals that kill bacteria and destroy contaminants. 2. Clean spa surfaces using Spa Cleaning Mitts, skimmer net, brush, and vacuum to clear debris. 3. Chemically clean you. . .

Updating Your Cottage State of Mind

(ARA) - In 1848, architect Andrew Jackson Downing bid readers of The Horticulturist to practice “beautiful and appropriate architecture. Do not build your dwelling places like temples, churches or cathedrals,” he implored. “Let them be, characteristically, dwelling-houses . . . let the cottage be a cottage.” There’s a lack of pretension about cottage style. It is what it seems -- straightforwar. . .

Magic Details Distinguish a Designer's Wedding

(ARA) - It all started when I took a job that would move me to Chicago. I was about to embark on a new adventure with a new position. I did not know that this would lead me to a new romance, foreign lands I never traveled to before and into a life filled with challenges, laughter, love and, yes, more wallpaper. I was nicknamed the Queen of Wallpaper by my peers. By now you have probably guessed. . .

Experience the ‘Magic of Christmas’ Without the Headaches

(ARA) - There are many things that can spark the Christmas Spirit inside of us --the arrival of cold weather, the smell of cookies baking in the oven, the presence of family are all examples. But nothing seems to trigger the magical feelings of the holiday season quite like holiday decorations. Wreaths, trees, Christmas lights and bows -- their unveiling marks a home or business owner’s unoffic. . .

Prepare Your Deck this Winter and Take the Hard Work Out of Spring Cleaning

(ARA) - We are all familiar with the importance of preparing our home’s landscape for winter so we can hit the ground running with a beautiful yard and garden in the spring. Whether it’s trimming, pruning, planting bulbs, transplanting or mulching, there are a number of things that can be done in the fall and winter that virtually guarantee a more successful landscape in the spring. The same ca. . .

Give the Gardening Gift This Season

(ARA) - Trying to think of the perfect holiday gift for that special someone on your list? Gardening and lawn care accessories make great gift ideas for the holidays, and in the spirit of the season, here are 12 gardening gift ideas to get you started: 1. Spruce up your loved one’s garden with some metal plant markers/identification tags. 2. How about a tasteful vase so your gardeners can bring. . .

Fall Prep Work Makes for a Green Spring

(ARA) - Although it's tough to admit, summer is drawing to a close and backyard activities will soon be slowing down; but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take care of your lawn just as you would if spring were right around the corner. As a matter of fact, there are several things you can do now to get your lawn ready for winter and, ultimately, the following spring. Watch Out for Falling Leaves. . .

Bring Art and Structure to Your Garden

(ARA) - Arbors, trellises and pergolas have been adding art and structure to outdoor living spaces and gardens for centuries For anyone looking to add space, style and elegance to their garden, these versatile wooden structures are practical projects that can be built in a single weekend. Fall is an ideal time to consider outdoor architectural upgrades. While it may be your last major project o. . .

Design Savvy Consumers Tackle Bathroom Decor

(ARA) - Practically everywhere you look these days there’s a TV show or a magazine article devoted to home makeovers, decorating tips or remodeling. Not just for the professionals anymore, home design has entered the mainstream and consumers are a lot more sophisticated than they used to be. “Interest in the home is definitely on the upswing, but I think it is more than just a trend,” says Ann . . .

Innovative Kitchen Decorating Idea Brings the Look of Oil Paintings Into Your Kitchen

Designer dishwasher panels are created from original oil paintings and reproduced on high quality vinyl. They will make a truly unique gift ideas for practically any occasion.Tilghman Island, MD April 26, 2004 –- The kitchen has long been the very core of any house. From your child’s birthday party with countless kids making their own ice cream sundaes to office holiday functions where enterta. . .

A Gift Idea for Some of the Hardest People to Shop For -- Your Parents

(ARA) - Coming up with gift ideas for kids is easy. They’re always appreciative of toys;but what do you get for your parents' anniversary, birthday, or just to let them know you appreciate them? David and Charlotte Penn of Crystal, Minn., think they’ve come up with a great gift for Charlotte’s dad. They found an old photograph of the farm Kurt Ross grew up on in Bellingham, Minn., near the Sout. . .

Buyer Beware

(ARA) - While older homes provide unique charm, they also come with many headaches and constant home repairs. To avoid the hassles that older homes entail, many homebuyers are choosing to build their homes. But before you begin choosing home designs and countertop colors, you need to choose your builder. Doing a bit of research when choosing your builder will help to make sure your dream of hom. . .

A New Model for High School Curriculum

(ARA) – Ever been to an outdoor concert where the sound quality was just perfect? You’d be amazed if you knew how much work went into getting ready for the show. Dozens of speakers have to be set up, hundreds of cables run, and what seems like an endless number of sound checks have to be done. You don’t have to go through all that trouble to get quality sound in your own back yard. All you have. . .

10 Ways to Keep Your Fitness Plan on Track During the Holidays

(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, Fit. . .

Light Up Your Holidays the Easy Way

(ARA) - Even Scrooge wouldn't dare say "bah humbug" to a dazzling display of holiday lights. He'd be even happier if he didn't have to string the lights himself, and there are a growing number of companies that specialize in doing just that. The past few years have seen a trend of people turning to professional installers to deck their halls with eye-popping home light displays. While for some . . .

Remodel Your Home with Energy Efficiency

(ARA) - Across the country natural gas and electric prices are hitting all time highs. These skyrocketing energy costs have taken a deeper cut into homeowner’s wallets. Homeowner’s usually think about new energy efficient appliances when looking to conserve energy and save money on their utility bills. However, the U.S. Department of Energy says that 33 percent of air leakage comes from walls, . . .

“Deck the Walls” with Stylish Accessories

(ARA) - ‘Tis the season . . . for turkey, eggnog, sugar plums, mistletoe . . . and holiday guests. While many homeowners will soon be sprucing up their homes in preparation for family and friends, most will concentrate on traditional areas such as dining rooms, family rooms and living rooms. However, they often overlook the one room holiday guests frequent most -- the powder room. “We all go to. . .

Warm Your Home with a Taste of the Tropics

(ARA) - Tropical decorative motifs, such as palm trees, monkeys, pomegranates, and the pineapple that symbolizes "welcome," endure for many reasons. Not only are they intrinsically graceful in their own right, but they are also evocative of a relaxed, comfortable, leisurely way of life. Their reflection of ease and warmth has made these motifs popular for generations, and they are enjoying anot. . .

Small Leaks Can Become a Big Drain on Your Wallet

(ARA) - While most homeowners have nightmares about natural disasters such as tornados, hurricanes and hail damaging their house, it tends to be the more mundane occurrences like undetected leaks and burst pipes that are the most common cause of water damage to personal property. “On average, almost three-fourths of our home water-loss claims each year are caused by an appliance people use ever. . .

Prevention is Key to Safer Home Heating

(ARA) - If you can’t see it, smell it or taste it, how do you know if carbon monoxide is trapped in your home? Carbon monoxide is the result of incomplete combustion of liquid, gaseous or solid fuel. Before you light the first fire of the heating season, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends you take the following safety measures to keep your home free of carbon monoxide. Ta. . .