The 5 Step Guide To Choosing Your Outdoor Decorations
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bianca_Bowman]Bianca Bowman
When looking at your home, you know your yard, garden and patio have a lot more potential to be beautiful and enjoyable. With the right outdoor decorations you can make your outdoor areas an extension of your indoor living space. Decorations for outside should be chosen to create a feeling of flow between the inside and outside of your home. These tips for finding outdoor decor can help you create a space you look forward to using for relaxation and entertainment as often as possible.
Create a Warm Atmosphere
A sparsely furnished deck or patio doesn't feel very welcoming for you or your guests. The addition of a brightly-colored doormat, hanging metal garden accents or statues can bring warmth to the atmosphere through the colors and textures displayed. Choose outdoor decor accent pieces that complement your garden area or the decor inside your home to create a warm look that flows.
Show Your Personality
If you've got a fun, bright personality let it shine through with the decor you pick for your garden, deck or yard. Pass up the neutrals and go for bold shades of orange, yellow or red. Select hanging accent pieces and other novelty decor to add bright colors and bold patterns. Complement these with flowering plants or large potted trees.
Keep it Interesting
There isn't any need to get locked in to one type of outdoor decor. Having fun while decorating outside enables you to keep it visually different by changing up your outside décor depending on the holiday or the season. Welcome springtime with pastel colors and Easter-themed decor, then get the family ready for summer with Fourth of July-themed accents. Make your garden space personal with memorial stones for pets and loved ones who have passed. By keeping your outdoor decor fresh, you can maintain a space that feels inviting all year around.
Function & Beauty
Decorative pieces that are functional as well as attractive serve a dual purpose that makes them more cost-effective. Seasonal doormats and aesthetically pleasing patio furniture covers protect your space and its furnishings, while also maintaining a pleasant appearance.
Having a more comfortable yard or deck, you'll choose to spend more time outside enjoying your life instead of hiding inside where you feel safe. By incorporating these tips you can easily create an outdoor living space that you and others enjoy. You don't have to spend a ton of money on outdoor decorations to make your yard or garden look great. Let your sense of enjoyment be your guide as you use decorations for outside to help you turn a simple yard into a haven of enjoyment and relaxation for the entire family.
In her free time, Bianca Bowman loves to shop for unique [http://www.lillianvernon.com/Category/OutdoorLiving]garden decor. [http://www.lillianvernon.com/]Lillian Vernon is a great online resource for garden accents and other types of decor.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-5-Step-Guide-To-Choosing-Your-Outdoor-Decorations&id=6994551] The 5 Step Guide To Choosing Your Outdoor Decorations
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
You Can Do It
A WHILE BACK, I discovered that many women have a common secret that they're embarrassed to admit: They're deathly afraid that if they try to repair something on their own at home (unclog the bathroom sink, hang a picture in the living room, fix a door that's sticking), they'll break the house! They actually think that minor home improvements like these are for men only to tackle. This notion will either sound silly or all too familiar to you. Well, I'm here to reassure you that you're just as capable of wielding a hammer as anybody else. What you may be missing is simply the knowledge and the confidence to give it a shot.
Fortunately, the knowledge is at your fingertips and the confidence will come with repeated success. Whether you learn best by reading books, attending classes, watching how-to videos, or browsing through websites doesn't really matter. The information is yours for the taking. What you need now is the motivation to step up and listen to the voice inside that says, "I can do this; how hard can it be?" Taking on and completing home improvement projects is not only a way to save money, it can also build your confidence and self-esteem, and it adds to the list of things that make you a great role model for your children. Plus, there is something incredibly satisfying about opening a door that you fixed and walking on through. These six home improvement 101 strategies can provide the basis for your venture into the world of home repair.
GET THE RIGHT TOOLS
As a mom with lots of experience in this field, I suggest you acquire your own personal collection of tools and then hide it! There's nothing more frustrating than reaching for a screwdriver that someone else in the house borrowed (or played with) and forgot to return. Start with these five essentials: a battery powered drill/screwdriver, a utility knife (for cutting through the plastic casing on new products or breaking down cardboard boxes), a caulking gun (for replacing the caulk around your tub or kitchen sink), a hammer, and a six-in-one painter's tool (for scraping out old caulk or spackling small holes in the wall). For the toolbox, I recommend a plastic one about 8" x 8" x 16." Once you have a box, you can add more tools as you need them for new projects. A few other items I also recommend always having on hand: duct tape, electrical tape, Teflon tape (for replacing a shower head), scissors, and an assortment of picture hangers, wall anchors, and thin wire (for hanging mirrors, pictures, and more).
GET GOOD ADVICE
Make friends with the folks at your local hardware store or big box home center — they're a great resource and usually the best place to start when you have no idea what you're doing. Feel free to walk in and say, "I need to fix a hole in my wall. What materials do I need? How can I get this done?" Most of the reps have been in the business for years and really know what they're talking about. They love to pass along their expertise and can steer you away from stuff (tools, materials, etc.) you don't need and toward useful books and websites. They'll probably answer questions you wouldn't have thought to ask, too.
SHOP WITH A STRATEGY
As with most shopping, it's best to go to the store for home repair supplies when it's not super busy. Your new best friends (the hardware store employees) will have more time to guide you through the aisles. If you do any quick research before you head out — let's say you look up instructions online for installing a new shower head in the bathroom — consider bringing a printout of the plan so you can have the staff look it over, provide pointers, and amend the list of suggested supplies, if need be.
DROP OFF THE KIDS
It sounds elementary, but you'd be surprised at how many moms forget this crucial step. You can't successfully complete a repair project if you have to stop every few minutes to fetch a juice box or settle a dispute over who gets to play the new computer game next. Take your kids to Grandma's or hire a babysitter. The greatest satisfaction comes from completing a project with as few roadblocks and distractions as possible, so it's important to give yourself the greatest chance to succeed.
STAND YOUR GROUND
If your husband or a neighbor either swoops in with the best of intentions or tries to take over so you don't "waste your time," let him know that you appreciate his offer, but you're set on doing it yourself, even if it takes you longer than it would take him. Explain that you don't like feeling unskilled around your own home and that doing it yourself is the best way to learn.
KNOW WHEN TO SAY NO
It's completely OK to walk away from a project you don't feel comfortable trying (like something involving electrical work), or that is simply just too big to take on. While there are plenty of tasks you can take care of on your own, there are also licensed, professional handymen for a good reason. And if you start a project and something unexpected comes up that you don't think you can handle, it's never too late to call for backup.
WORK ZONE Info-packed resources for staying in the know in the world of home repair: DIYORNOT.COM
Does a cost comparison between doing the job yourself and hiring a pro
RONHAZELTON.COM
Step-by-step instructions and videos
THE FAMILY HANDYMAN MAGAZINE
20 issues per year cover everything from basement insulation to installing vinyl floors
HOME IMPROVEMENT 1-2-3
A book of expert advice from the Home Depot on over 340 projects; full of photos, illustrations, charts, and more.
~~~~~~~~
By Marie Leonard
MARIE LEONARD is the author of Marie's Home Improvement Guide. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Westford, MA. Find more of her handy tips at marieshomeimprovement.com.
----------------------------------------
More related home improvement resources found here!
Fortunately, the knowledge is at your fingertips and the confidence will come with repeated success. Whether you learn best by reading books, attending classes, watching how-to videos, or browsing through websites doesn't really matter. The information is yours for the taking. What you need now is the motivation to step up and listen to the voice inside that says, "I can do this; how hard can it be?" Taking on and completing home improvement projects is not only a way to save money, it can also build your confidence and self-esteem, and it adds to the list of things that make you a great role model for your children. Plus, there is something incredibly satisfying about opening a door that you fixed and walking on through. These six home improvement 101 strategies can provide the basis for your venture into the world of home repair.
GET THE RIGHT TOOLS
As a mom with lots of experience in this field, I suggest you acquire your own personal collection of tools and then hide it! There's nothing more frustrating than reaching for a screwdriver that someone else in the house borrowed (or played with) and forgot to return. Start with these five essentials: a battery powered drill/screwdriver, a utility knife (for cutting through the plastic casing on new products or breaking down cardboard boxes), a caulking gun (for replacing the caulk around your tub or kitchen sink), a hammer, and a six-in-one painter's tool (for scraping out old caulk or spackling small holes in the wall). For the toolbox, I recommend a plastic one about 8" x 8" x 16." Once you have a box, you can add more tools as you need them for new projects. A few other items I also recommend always having on hand: duct tape, electrical tape, Teflon tape (for replacing a shower head), scissors, and an assortment of picture hangers, wall anchors, and thin wire (for hanging mirrors, pictures, and more).
GET GOOD ADVICE
Make friends with the folks at your local hardware store or big box home center — they're a great resource and usually the best place to start when you have no idea what you're doing. Feel free to walk in and say, "I need to fix a hole in my wall. What materials do I need? How can I get this done?" Most of the reps have been in the business for years and really know what they're talking about. They love to pass along their expertise and can steer you away from stuff (tools, materials, etc.) you don't need and toward useful books and websites. They'll probably answer questions you wouldn't have thought to ask, too.
SHOP WITH A STRATEGY
As with most shopping, it's best to go to the store for home repair supplies when it's not super busy. Your new best friends (the hardware store employees) will have more time to guide you through the aisles. If you do any quick research before you head out — let's say you look up instructions online for installing a new shower head in the bathroom — consider bringing a printout of the plan so you can have the staff look it over, provide pointers, and amend the list of suggested supplies, if need be.
DROP OFF THE KIDS
It sounds elementary, but you'd be surprised at how many moms forget this crucial step. You can't successfully complete a repair project if you have to stop every few minutes to fetch a juice box or settle a dispute over who gets to play the new computer game next. Take your kids to Grandma's or hire a babysitter. The greatest satisfaction comes from completing a project with as few roadblocks and distractions as possible, so it's important to give yourself the greatest chance to succeed.
STAND YOUR GROUND
If your husband or a neighbor either swoops in with the best of intentions or tries to take over so you don't "waste your time," let him know that you appreciate his offer, but you're set on doing it yourself, even if it takes you longer than it would take him. Explain that you don't like feeling unskilled around your own home and that doing it yourself is the best way to learn.
KNOW WHEN TO SAY NO
It's completely OK to walk away from a project you don't feel comfortable trying (like something involving electrical work), or that is simply just too big to take on. While there are plenty of tasks you can take care of on your own, there are also licensed, professional handymen for a good reason. And if you start a project and something unexpected comes up that you don't think you can handle, it's never too late to call for backup.
WORK ZONE Info-packed resources for staying in the know in the world of home repair: DIYORNOT.COM
Does a cost comparison between doing the job yourself and hiring a pro
RONHAZELTON.COM
Step-by-step instructions and videos
THE FAMILY HANDYMAN MAGAZINE
20 issues per year cover everything from basement insulation to installing vinyl floors
HOME IMPROVEMENT 1-2-3
A book of expert advice from the Home Depot on over 340 projects; full of photos, illustrations, charts, and more.
~~~~~~~~
By Marie Leonard
MARIE LEONARD is the author of Marie's Home Improvement Guide. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Westford, MA. Find more of her handy tips at marieshomeimprovement.com.
----------------------------------------
More related home improvement resources found here!
What Your Kitchen Can Teach Your Garage
To increase your garage's functionality, head into the kitchen
An
epic dishwashing session following a particularly messy omelette
changed the way I'd been using my auto shop for the past 20 years. As I
scrubbed at dried egg, it occurred to me that my kitchen is just another
workshop. But many of my more successful culinary routines and
organizing techniques were isolated in the galley--even though the
principles of good kitchen design and work practices apply to the
garage. So here's what I've adapted for my shop.
Brighten Walls
My
garage was typical: a concrete slab with exposed-stud walls and poor
lighting. But professional auto shops and any good kitchen--home or
commercial--are bright. Painting a garage's walls and floor white or a
light gray improves the effectiveness of the lighting, makes dropped
parts easier to find, and highlights fluid leaks.
Consider Triangles
Where
do you put your big, heavily used shop tools? In my garage the answer
used to be "no place in particular." Kitchen designers position the
sink, fridge, and range in an unobstructed triangle to keep movement
efficient. So I set up multiple triangles for related tasks. For
example, the welding table, grinding stand, and drill press all live
together.
Stash Underused Tools
A
stand mixer left on a kitchen counter is clutter, unless you bake
daily. Same goes for my miter saw, since I don't cut lumber very often. I
moved it onto a shelf under a bench, which earned me an extra work
surface. I stash the heavier or more fragile stuff closer to the ground,
where it will do less damage to itself--or to my feet-- should I drop
it.
Clean as You Go
I've
always done this, both in the kitchen and in the garage. In commercial
kitchens, dishes, pots, pans, cups, knives, spatulas, work surfaces, and
everything else are washed and sanitized constantly so work flow is not
interrupted by a greasy mess. Apply that thinking to your garage. Wipe
down tools and put them away as soon as you're done with them. Anything
not needed for the immediate task should go straight back in its box;
knowing exactly where to find a tool saves time. Sweep the floor and
toss out the garbage whenever you can (see page 114). It creates a safer
work environment. Besides, you won't feel like cleaning up at the end
of a long day when all you want to do is retire to the kitchen for a
beer.
Hang From the Rafters
Some
of the best kitchens have overhead pot racks that free up cabinet
space. I hang squares, handsaws, bolt cutters, and caulk guns above my
worktable so they're within reach but out of the way. You may have to
fabricate a rack to ft your needs, but, hey: That's a good reason to
spend more time in your newly organized shop.
~~~~~~~~
By Ben Wojdyla
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Top Five Small Appliances Every Kitchen Should Have
The Top Five Small Appliances Every Kitchen Should Have
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Heather_Krasovec]Heather Krasovec
Toaster
General Electric introduced the first electric toaster for home use in 1909. Wonder Bread began selling pre-sliced bread in 1930, and America's love affair with toast was inevitable. It is quick and easy and there is no reason any modern kitchen should be without a toaster.
Spice Grinder
Spices are a great addition to any diet. They add taste and antioxidants with little or no fat and calories. A spice is at the height of flavor and nutrition immediately after being ground yet many cooks choose pre-ground spices for convenience. These spices are ground at a factory before being shipped to your local store where they may sit in the storerooms and on the shelves for months. Add in the considerable amount of time spices will be in your pantry and you are looking at a year or more between grinding and use.
There is a better way. Most spices are available in whole form. They keep longer and usually cost less, especially if you buy in bulk. There are several different spice grinders on the market today but a $10 coffee grinder works well. You'll find your cooking is vastly improved when you switch to freshly ground spices.
Blender
This handy appliance is great for blending homemade soups and chopping ice. It excels at making smoothies and creating delicious frozen beverages. You'll be able to make frozen lattes or margaritas at home with ease.
Stand Mixer
This is the best tool for making batters for cakes, muffins, waffles, pancakes and cookies. It is ideal for whipping fresh cream. You can produce fluffy egg whites perfect for mousse, meringues, or souffles.
A hand mixer would be suitable for the aforementioned tasks. What sets the stand mixer apart is the ability to upgrade. The available attachments include pasta rollers, ice cream makers, meat grinders and juice extractors making this the better choice.
Food Processor
I have saved the most useful for last. A food processor is an essential appliance for any home cook. It can cut your food prep time by half or more. It makes it quick and easy to prepare food from scratch, which can save you money.
A good food processor will slice, shred and grate most anything. It will emulsify homemade salad dressings or mayonnaise with ease. It will do all the hard work when making pastry, bread or pasta dough, eliminating the tedious labor normally associated with those tasks. It is truly a necessity for anyone wanting to prepare food in their kitchen, rather than just re-heating pre-made processed foods.
The food processor may very well be the most important small appliance in your kitchen, so you'll want to make sure you get the best one. Check out a detailed buying guide and thousands of reviews [http://food-processor-reviews.net/]HERE.
Heather Krasovec, creator of [http://food-processor-reviews.net/]http://food-processor-reviews.net/, uses her extensive experience in food based industries to help consumers make the best choices when stocking their kitchens.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Top-Five-Small-Appliances-Every-Kitchen-Should-Have&id=6039241] The Top Five Small Appliances Every Kitchen Should Have
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Heather_Krasovec]Heather Krasovec
Toaster
General Electric introduced the first electric toaster for home use in 1909. Wonder Bread began selling pre-sliced bread in 1930, and America's love affair with toast was inevitable. It is quick and easy and there is no reason any modern kitchen should be without a toaster.
Spice Grinder
Spices are a great addition to any diet. They add taste and antioxidants with little or no fat and calories. A spice is at the height of flavor and nutrition immediately after being ground yet many cooks choose pre-ground spices for convenience. These spices are ground at a factory before being shipped to your local store where they may sit in the storerooms and on the shelves for months. Add in the considerable amount of time spices will be in your pantry and you are looking at a year or more between grinding and use.
There is a better way. Most spices are available in whole form. They keep longer and usually cost less, especially if you buy in bulk. There are several different spice grinders on the market today but a $10 coffee grinder works well. You'll find your cooking is vastly improved when you switch to freshly ground spices.
Blender
This handy appliance is great for blending homemade soups and chopping ice. It excels at making smoothies and creating delicious frozen beverages. You'll be able to make frozen lattes or margaritas at home with ease.
Stand Mixer
This is the best tool for making batters for cakes, muffins, waffles, pancakes and cookies. It is ideal for whipping fresh cream. You can produce fluffy egg whites perfect for mousse, meringues, or souffles.
A hand mixer would be suitable for the aforementioned tasks. What sets the stand mixer apart is the ability to upgrade. The available attachments include pasta rollers, ice cream makers, meat grinders and juice extractors making this the better choice.
Food Processor
I have saved the most useful for last. A food processor is an essential appliance for any home cook. It can cut your food prep time by half or more. It makes it quick and easy to prepare food from scratch, which can save you money.
A good food processor will slice, shred and grate most anything. It will emulsify homemade salad dressings or mayonnaise with ease. It will do all the hard work when making pastry, bread or pasta dough, eliminating the tedious labor normally associated with those tasks. It is truly a necessity for anyone wanting to prepare food in their kitchen, rather than just re-heating pre-made processed foods.
The food processor may very well be the most important small appliance in your kitchen, so you'll want to make sure you get the best one. Check out a detailed buying guide and thousands of reviews [http://food-processor-reviews.net/]HERE.
Heather Krasovec, creator of [http://food-processor-reviews.net/]http://food-processor-reviews.net/, uses her extensive experience in food based industries to help consumers make the best choices when stocking their kitchens.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Top-Five-Small-Appliances-Every-Kitchen-Should-Have&id=6039241] The Top Five Small Appliances Every Kitchen Should Have
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