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A well-made deck railing can often be thedifferentiating factor between a beautiful deck and a dull, shoddyone. In modern times, a railing has assumed much more importancethan merely being a structure aimed at providing support andsafety. A railing, be it a staircase railing or a deck railing,contributes significantly towards the beauty of its immediatesurroundings and enhances the overall look of the architecture. Onthat note, let us take a look at some interesting ideas.Interesting Ideas for Deck RailingDeck railings are available in a variety of designs and materialtypes. You can have wooden deck railings, metal deck railings,baluster design railings, etc. The type of deck railing that youeventually select will depend upon the location of the railing, itssurroundings, and of course your spending limit. Installing a deckrailing can be a great home improvement option for homemakers toconsider. Here are a few deck railing design ideas for you toconsider.Metal Deck RailingsMetal railings have a sense of royalty about them regardless ofwhere you install them. For example, you can have an iron railingthat is either entirely made out of wrought iron, or you cancombine it with wood to create a dual effect. One of the maindrawbacks of iron as a railing material is that it tends to getaffected by moisture, atmospheric chemicals and changing weatherconditions. However, these problems can be lessened to an extentthrough certain chemical treatments and by using powder-coatediron. Also, metal railings can be quite heavy, so you should makesure that the floor or the deck is strong enough to sustain theweight of the railing.Cable Deck RailingsWhat can be better than a spectacular view of a lake or a mountainvista along with the cool breeze flowing along? Well, this canhappen only if you have cable railing installed on your backyarddeck. Being outside means standing on the deck and enjoying thecool air around and witnessing the grandeur of the nature. However,when it comes to installation of cable railing, there are a fewthings to keep in mind. Firstly, if you want to eliminate the taskof a regular maintenance after installing cable rails, it is bestto use the marine grade stainless steel cables. These cables arenot susceptible to corrosion and hence stay intact for a longerperiod. Secondly, there must be tight tension between the cableswhile installing them as they won't loosen up and sag after a fewyears. Thirdly, the posts used for cable railings should not bemade of composite materials. A good amount of strength is requiredto hold and maintain the tension between the cables, which lacks incomposite materials. Wood instead, would be the best material tokeep the railing in place and safe for longer duration. Lastly, atop rail is a good option for cable railing system because itserves the purpose of hand rest as well as a tea/ coffee holder. Italso helps to maintain the tension between the posts and preventsthem from pulling towards each other.Wooden Deck RailingsWooden deck railings are one of the most common types of deckrailings. In addition to being common, they are also a very popularchoice when it comes to deck railing designs. Wood is alwaysassociated with tradition and elegance. At the same time, it alsomakes the structure look extremely warm and homely. You can opt fora combination design wherein you have a top wooden rail that runsacross several iron or wooden balusters.

Carports are effective and economicalalternative shelters for cars, instead of a garage. Even if youalready have a garage, a carport offers additional parking spacefor cars..A carport as a structure, evolved out of a need for home ownersto build a car shelter, that did not cost as much as a garage.Besides offering a low-cost shelter for your car, it can also addto the overall ambiance of your property. If you are planning tobuild one, you must be on the lookout for some designs online.However, I would personally advise you to make your own designsinstead of going for ready-made ones. The ones that you design onyour own are the best because they are tailor-made to your specificneeds and expectations. Let me present some tips on how to go aboutdesigning your own carport plans in the next section.How to Plan Carport Designs?Creating designs and plans, made to scale, is essential, beforeyou even think of going for construction. It gives you an ideaabout budget allotment and time required for construction. Besides,planning things in advance never hurts you! Here are the thingsthat need to be taken into consideration while creating your owndesigns and plans:Decide the BudgetDeciding on how much money you can allot for the carportconstruction is one of the first things to take into consideration.All your choices of materials and design will be dictated by themoney factor. So roughly decide on the maximum amount of money youare willing to spend on building the carport.Size MattersNext important thing is deciding on the dimensions of your carportstructure. Depending on the size of the vehicle you park in thatcarport, you must decide on the length, width and height of thewhole structure. If you are planning on adding some storage space,let the dimensions be a couple of feet more. The size andmeasurements of the whole structure will give you an idea about thematerial costs of designs that you create.Choosing Building MaterialsThe most important choice, when creating designs is for thebuilding materials. Your two prime choices are wood and metal. Ifyou are looking for a low-cost structure, metal is the materialthat you should go for. Metal carport kits are available that comewith easy construction instructions and can be set up quite easily.If you are willing to spend more, wood is the choice which canprovide you with a range of elegant designs. Cedar and salt pineare the popular wood choices when it comes to building a carport. Awooden structure has a great visual appeal, compared to a metalone. Some may even go for a stone and concrete structure.Studying DesignsBrowse through as many designs as you can. You can search online orjust have a look around the neighborhood. You could always come upwith your own unique and unconventional design. Make a list ofdesired features that you want in your carport and start sketchingone, which is a right combination of aesthetics andfunctionality.Deciding the LocationDecide on where would you like to build the carport. Is it going tobe attached to your house at the front door or is it going to be astandalone structure away from the house? Finding an answer to thisquestion will affect carport designs that you could choose. Makesure that the carport gels well with the overall architecture ofyour house.

Shopping for original designer handbags onlineis one of the best ways to retail shopping. One gets a variety ofoptions in authentic designer handbags, cheap designer handbags andreplica handbags. However, there are many Internet swindlers, whoscam unsuspecting customers of their hard-earned money. If youfollow some basic rules when buying handbags, there are lesschances of getting duped. Let's have a look at them one by one.? Trusted and Authentic SitesWhen shopping online, visit reputed sites who have earned the trustand popularity of online buyers over time. You can take adviceregarding such websites from your friends who do online shopping.These reputed sites offer best deals on replica handbags andauthentic designer handbags. In case of designer handbags,companies such as Jack Spade, Louis Vuitton and Coach do not selltheir designer bags on any site, other than their own website.? Place of ManufactureYou should keep in mind the location of the seller. Gucci, D&G,etc. don't manufacture designer bags in China. So, you can easilyunderstand that these so-called authentic designer handbags arefake! Avoid falling for 'buy now, one day sales'. These areprobably fake and the seller wants to take them off the market, assoon as possible.? Avoid Paying By Wire TransferDo not pay money by wire transfer as it is the most unsafe way tomake a purchase. You may be robbed of your money and the handbagyou ordered will never reach your doorstep. Money orders and cashpayments do not come under PayPal protection. Always pay usingcredit cards, when buying women's handbags online.? Exclusive Store WebsitesIf you are looking for cheap designer bags online, then there areretailers who offer handbags at great prices. You can ask retailstore owners whether they have an option for online sale or if theycould recommend some websites that offer cheap designer handbags.Many retailers would share this information if they are on goodterms with their client.? Too Good To Be True DiscountsYou should be weary of unbelievable deals on designer handbags.Don't be tempted by these great deals, as designer bags don't comecheap, and offering heavy discounts is not a good profit earningidea for anyone. The seller is just trying to pass off replicadesigner handbags or fake designer handbags.? Authentic Claims or A Fake?Have you ever seen a well-known designer walking down the ramp withhis designer handbag, saying his bag is genuine? Well, the answeris obviously no. If you come across an online seller who claimsthat his designer bags are "guaranteed" or "authentic" handbags,then you must understand very well, the truth behind the so-calledgenuine handbag.? Can Be Returned At No Extra ChargeAlways opt for sellers who have a 'no strings attached' returnpolicy even on replica handbags. Do not buy from sellers who chargerestocking fee. Any reputable seller will want happy customers andwill not need a restocking fee to stay in business. It is veryimportant to do a proper research, for finding a reputable seller.A genuine seller will always be ready to answer all your queries.Never rush into a sale before clearing all your doubts regardingthe authenticity of designer handbags.The world of high fashion does not offer anything cheap.Therefore, do not settle for anything that is sold at a price muchlesser than the original. Burberry, Prada, Gucci, Coach and LouisVuitton are the five women designer handbags, which are a must inevery women's wardrobe. So all you fashion conscious women, buyingdesigner handbags is now just a click away!

Crochet, pronounced as krowshey, is atechnique of creating a piece of fabric using yarn and a crochethook. The word crochet is derived from a French word which means ahook. If you know knitting, then learning crocheting will be easieras it is similar to knitting; the only difference between the twois that in a crochet only one loop is active at a time.Afghans StitchSpecial hooks are used for making afghans, so that there is morespace for the large number of stitches. For Afghan or Tuniscrochet, you need to keep the right side of the work always facingyou, and work on a base chain, and then make rows by looping theyarn first from right to left and the second half left to right. Bylearning these easy crochet patterns you can make scarves,blankets, and other easy patterns.ScarvesFor this pattern you need to first practice making a basic chainand learn single crochet stitches. To learn how to crotchet ascarf, use bulky yarn and J size or larger crochet hook. For makingthe scarf, first make a slip knot and base chain which is around 14stitches to get the length of the scarf. Then make another extrastitch and turn, then insert the crotchet hook in the second chain,and make another single crotchet stitch. This way make a row byturning the stitch and keep making these, till you are satisfiedwith the size of the scarf.Baby BlanketsSelect soft yarns that feel nice to your skin, like cotton yarns,for making a baby blanket. Then using a similar stitch pattern likethe above mentioned scarf pattern, you can make the baby blanket.However, when learning how to crotchet a baby blanket the size ofthe blanket will be bigger than scarf, so instead of making around14 inches for length make 36 inches for length and then work it toform rows to complete the blanket.HatsTo crotchet a hat, select a yarn of your choice. To make the hatinteresting you can use 2 or more colored yarns. Again the abovesimilar stitch can be used for making a crochet hat. The onlydifference is that you have to work in a circular pattern. So startcrocheting in a round, till it is as large as the top of your head,keep working in the round stitches and increase the number ofstitches slowly till the hat is large enough, and reaches yourears.There are many illustrated tutorials and videos online,following which you can learn the basic stitches and the abovepatterns. So learn 1-2 simple stitches and then make any of theabove mentioned pattern to create your very first crochet knitfabric.

A T-shirt is a basic piece of clothing, thatis present in every wardrobe. It is very easy to style and comes inhandy, especially when you are in a hurry. It can be called awardrobe staple. However, the downside of wearing this piece ofapparel is that there is not much variation in its shape anddesign, and hence, most of us end up purchasing many T-shirts insimilar styles. However, they can be made more versatile, and givenan interesting look, by cutting them to create unique and funkydesigns. This should be done carefully, as haphazardly cutting itwill render the garment useless. Before doing this, ensure that youhave a design in mind, and then decide how to go about it.Cutting It into a Tank TopA tank top is one of the easiest designs to make. You do notrequire any advanced sewing skills to do this, where it is a novelway of transforming your tees. To make a tank top, get hold of aT-shirt that fits you well. Now, turn it inside out, and place iton a work table. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut off itssleeves. Next, cut off any excess fabric from the bottom, such thatthe top sits above your waistline.It is always better to mark the area of the fabric that you willbe cutting, by holding the garment against your body. This isbecause, if you end up cutting more fabric than intended, you willnot be able to do anything about it, and it will go to waste. Onceyou have cut the garment, sew it along the edge, so that it doesnot fray. However, if you prefer a grungy look, then you can leaveit like that.Cutting It without SewingTake two ordinary, fitted T-shirts in complementary colors likepurple and green, or contrasting colors like blue and red. Now,turn one of them inside out on a work table and draw a big heart orany other design of your choice on the fabric. Mark horizontallines on the design, making sure that there is a gap of at least 1inch between each line. Now, place a heavy piece of cardboardbetween the layers of the garment, and slash the horizontal lineswith a pair of scissors or sharp knife. This will give it a ribbedeffect. Wear this T-shirt over the other one for a layered look.These T-shirts look very trendy and are quite popular. They saveyou the hassle of sewing them.You can use many other techniques to come up with your ownstyles and designs. This way, you can revamp your entire wardrobewithout spending much money.source:buzzle.com

The pattern of gift boxes vary according tothe ceremony, occasion and the event. The appearance of gift boxesalso depends on the person whom you are gifting. For example, womenprefer more of ornamentation while men love simple and chastedesigns.Normally, we present gifts during festive seasons likeChristmas, Halloween, Easter, etc. However, making gift boxes athome will be a difficult project for people who have no affinityfor arts and crafts. The necessary guidance for making homemadeboxes will be provided to you in the upcoming paragraphs.Christmas Gift BoxesWe all love to give and receive Christmas gifts. Packing cookies,dollies, candies, stockings, candles, etc., during Christmas timeis a well practiced trend. Pack the stockings in a reusable giftwrapper. Use colorful papers for the external coating. Tie a satinthread over the lid and gift it away. While packing eatables youhave to extra careful. Make sure the gift box is moisture proof.Leakage of moisture would spoil the eatables. Use air tightcontainers for packing cookies, candies, biscuits, dough nuts, andbrownies. For extra protection, wrap them with aluminum foils.Packing dry fruits in cardboard boxes is also a good idea. Lid thebox and wrap a clean white paper for a simple look.Wedding Gift BoxesWedding gifts are packed with bright embellishments. Expensiveitems are parceled in beautiful velvet boxes. Always remember thatthe wrapping of the gift matters a lot in making the gift special.Similarly, you can make some beautiful boxes for wedding cards. Geta silver box from any jewelry shop and then start the decoration.You will require the following things, viz, velvet paper, tinymirrors, satin ribbons, gum, and glitters. First wrap the entirejewelry box with velvet paper. Utilize your artistic instinctswhile doing the mirror work and spraying the glitter. Make itethnic so that it appeals to the wedding ceremony. Metal boxes forwrapping jewelry is also a good option as they not only lookbeautiful, but also traditional. Apparels usually come in boxes andall you need to do is, wrap them with cellophane or any type ofgift wrappers and then tie a satin ribbon around it.Birthday Gift BoxesA birthday is a special occasion and you can try a lot of things tomake the gifts attractive. You have so many things to present onbirthdays, right from pets to toys. Gifting pets is a uniquebirthday gift idea. I must tel you that putting pets inside a giftbaskets is easy. You have to ensure that there is enough space forthe pet to move and breathe. Big cardboard boxes with plentifulspace is the perfect box for pets. Ready-made boxes are sold inarts and crafts stores and they make wonderful packaging forbirthday gifts. Make Chinese food boxes and hat boxes for giftingchocolates and cookies. Well, expensive birthday gifts likelaptops, cell phones, camera, iPods, etc., come in cushioned casesthat ensure no damage is caused to the electronic pieces. Wrap thecardboard boxes and then place the gadgets along with the casebefore gifting away. Utilize the same ideas for making Valentine'sboxes.Make innovative and unique gift boxes to make your dear onesfeel special.source: buzzle.com

With the arrival of a baby in the house, themost speculated topic other than the gender of the baby, is ideasfor decorating the baby's room. A lot about the decoration dependson whether it's a baby boy or a baby girl.The baby's room should have a pleasant and happy environment. Itis considered a healthy practice if both the parents show equalparticipation in designing the baby's room. This helps to create aspecial bond between the baby and the parents even before the babyis born. There are numerous baby room ideas, but which one willsuit your baby's and your requirements should be determined so thatdesigning the layout becomes easier.If you are in the family way, then you might be reeling underthe pressure of preparing for your baby's arrival. Just having thehigh armchair and a collection of diaper is hardly enough. You haveto think creatively and explore all the possibilities for makingyour baby warm and happy in his/her very room. So how would you goabout making everything just perfect for your newborn? The answeris paint colors. Splash some colors on the walls and make a dullroom into a vibrant display of hues that can readily attract theattention of a baby. Your choice of color will affect your baby insome way or other.According to color psychology, colors play an important part ininfluencing our perception. A newly born baby is believed to seejust black, white and gray color. As she grows, the colors becomemore apparent to her. That's why, it is wise to choose soft tonesof color for baby's room as bright primary colors can lead toconfusion in the newborn's mind. However, colors are also verysubjective and can mean different things to everyone includingchildren. For this reason, it is best to choose a light and funkycolor instead of garish one, just to be on the safer side.A baby's room should have vivid colors. Pink baby rooms forgirls are the most suitable ones. Installing pink coloredfurniture, curtains and toys will make one of the best girl babyroom ideas. For boys, you can include everything in blue. Yellowand orange or pink and brown colors prove to be neutral and can beopted for, if the gender of the baby is not known or if you areexpecting twins. A mix and match of green and brown creates anearthy effect on the wall. Other mural colors that you can safelychoose for your baby are the pastoral colors.Choose the fresh colors of flowers and butterflies for the wallsand let the magic of different hues and tones mesmerize your baby.You can contrast the color of walls with the color of the furniturein your baby's room. Some parents prefer to leave no stonesunturned when it comes to color. This could be a mistake. Thoughkids love colors and its splendor, the fact remains that wrongcolors can also have negative effect on them.Setting a baby room theme is a good idea for baby rooms. Pickingup a theme from a fairytale, story books, nursery rhymes, cartoonseries, etc. can prove to be educational as well as creative.Painting the walls according to the theme with every incidentsketched on each wall is a creative baby room mural idea. Base yourvintage baby room ideas on the concept of 'Old is Gold', whereinyou can place the furniture inherited from your ancestors, in theroom.

Original flowers are always preferred toartificial ones. However, artificial flowers would be ideal forthose who want something long-lasting. Artificial flowers can bemade from different materials, in various ways. Materials, likecloth, paper, plastic, or clay can be used for this purpose. If youare looking for a non-expensive and easily available material, thenpaper is the best. It is also best suited for kids and beginners.Paper is available in various types, like tissue paper, newspaper,wax paper, wrapping paper, crepe paper, etc. Given below are twoeasy methods, that are ideal for beginners as well as kids.Tissue paper is very widely used for making handmade paperflowers. You may use brightly-colored papers, or opt for shimmeringor metallic ones. In order to make tissue paper flowers, you needtissue papers of your choice, scissors, and floral wire (or pipecleaners).You can use large or small tissue paper package. If you go for thesmall one, like the common pack with eight tissue papers, you haveto cut it in half for making medium-sized flowers. In case of largepacks, cut the paper to eight-inch squares.Once the paper is cut, stack five to eight papers one over theother, so that the edges match perfectly. The next step is to foldthe papers jointly in accordion style. Make sure that the folds areeven and have a breadth of around one inch.You can shape the petals by cutting the edges with scissors. If youwant curvy petals, then round both the edges. For sharp tippedpetals, you have to cut the edges to points.The next step involves attaching the stems. You can either use pipecleaners or floral wires for this purpose. All you have to do is totie one end of the pipe cleaner or wire through the center of thefolded paper.Once you secure the pipe cleaner/wire to the folded paper, separatethe folded layers. Arrange the paper petals in such a way, that itresembles an open flower.You can experiment with different types of tissue paper. Even thepattern of petals can be changed. The bigger the paper size, thebigger the flowers. The same applies to the density of petals,which is directly proportional to the number of papers used.Newspaper is a commonly available material, which can be usedfor making paper flowers. You need newspaper, scissors, paint,brush, green pipe cleaners (or wire and floral tape), and buttons.Spread the newspaper, and paint it in different colors. Let thepaper dry. Meanwhile, collect container lids of different sizes,but circular in shape. Place the lids on a cardboard (or any thickpaper) and trace the shapes. Cut circles of different sizes fromthe cardboard. Use them as templates for cutting circles from thepainted newspaper. You may also use the lids directly, for cuttingcircles from the newspaper. Once done, you have circles ofdifferent sizes and colors.Crumble the circles slightly and flatten them. Attach a colorfulbutton to one end of the pipe cleaner and secure it tightly. Stackfour to five circles one over another, so that the smallest comesfirst (on top). Make sure that the colored sides face upwards. Makea small hole through the center of the stacked circles, and insertthe free end of the pipe cleaner through the hole. Make sure thatyou are inserting the pipe cleaner through the side that has thesmallest flower. You can secure the base of the flower to the pipecleaner with floral tape. You may also replace pipe cleaner withfloral wire covered with floral tape. Your handmade paper flowersare ready for display.

Buying an engagement ring for your loved oneis a sublime gesture. An engagement is a symbol of unconditionallove, boundless affections, and a commitment that unites the twosouls. Make this occasion in your life all the more special bylearning all that you need to know about engagement rings.An engagement ring reflects the perpetual love and commitmentyou share with your partner. The Engagement ceremony does hold alot of importance in a woman's life. It is believed that a vein,popularly known as the love vein, runs through the third finger ofthe left hand leading to the heart. Well, this is probably why itis referred to as the 'ring' finger. Buying an engagement ring foryour lady-love is, indeed, a task to accomplish. It is not in theleast, an easy affair to execute. Well, for all those men who haveplanned to spend their lives with the love of their life, thisarticle would serve to be a mini guide.In today's day and age, in an epoch where women are no morecocooned and sheltered; it is suggested that you buy the perfectring that makes your woman fall in love with you . . . all the more. . . all over again. After all, women are the one's responsiblefor keeping a man's bank balance 'liquid' most of the time! Yes,let's face it: Women are a bit fussy, especially about the bandthey flaunt. But worrying is not the solution to this, my friend;treading along the path carefully and tactfully, sure is!Here are some pointers on how to buy an engagement ring and sometips you would like to employ while you are on a mad-dash missionof buying the right ring for your sweetheart.First and foremost, don't just consider buying the perfect ring foryour mate; in addition, consider your circumstances and thesituation. The cost of the ring should be a factor looked into.Don't think that you are placing price over passion. It is apreferable choice to bestow a band that conforms to being classy,elegant, yet affordable. To do this, devising a budget is the firststep. Buying a band on a budget should be calculated by consideringthe salary or the remuneration package that you earn, and thesavings you can afford to make. This factor will fall into placewhen you club the salary, or the savings of two or three months,and estimate the cost you would incur to buy the engagement ring.Thus, the amount you spend should not pose any problem, as you nowknow the method to compute the same!Here are some pointers on how to buy an engagement ring and sometips you would like to employ while you are on a mad-dash missionof buying the right ring for your sweetheart.First and foremost, don't just consider buying the perfect ringfor your mate; in addition, consider your circumstances and thesituation. The cost of the ring should be a factor looked into.Don't think that you are placing price over passion. It is apreferable choice to bestow a band that conforms to being classy,elegant, yet affordable. To do this, devising a budget is the firststep. Buying a band on a budget should be calculated by consideringthe salary or the remuneration package that you earn, and thesavings you can afford to make. This factor will fall into placewhen you club the salary, or the savings of two or three months,and estimate the cost you would incur to buy the engagement ring.Thus, the amount you spend should not pose any problem, as you nowknow the method to compute the same!

Before I tell you about flooring for home gymsI would like to tell you about an incident, in fact, an accident,that one of my friends met with last week. He was a hardcorefitness freak and somehow could not join a health club or gym dueto office hours. So he decided to exercise at home and bought alltypes of equipment, to make his own gym at home. He created a goodatmosphere in the home gym by hanging photos and pictures of bodybuilder men to get some inspiration. But on the first day itself,he met with a severe accident when he was warming up on thetreadmill. The treadmill slipped on the slippery surface and itsplug came of the switch when he was running in full speed. He fellright on his face damaging his shoulders and knees as well.Such incidents are very common at home gyms where owners neglectone of the important factors when it comes to building a home gym,that is flooring. A flooring for home gym has to be stable,durable, and strong. As gym flooring has to go through a lot ofwear and tear, it has to be long-lasting and it also needs to besturdy, so that it can bear the weight of the exercise equipmentand other machinery as well. And while performing exercises oneneeds to be static in order to refrain from slipping off and thesame stands true for the various other equipment as well. And thereis only one flooring that is highly and widely recommended for homegyms. To know more about it, read further.Gym Floors for HomeAccording to the experts, rubber flooring is the best andprobably the only option when it comes to best flooring for homegyms. Rubber material provides the necessary stability, strength,and durability to the home gym which reduces the chances ofaccidents and injuries. There are two types of rubber flooring thatone can go for. The first one is rubber tiles, which can beinstalled in the room like other tiles. You can go for these tilesif there is no flooring in the room at all. But if you have alreadyinstalled the usual tiles and do not have the budget to remove themand replace with rubber tiles then you can go for rubber tile roll.Rubber rolls are preferred by many people as they can be easilyplaced on the existing flooring. The process of laying rubber rollsis more like laying a carpet in the room.Apart from rubber flooring there are many other home gymflooring options that you can experiment with, such as, woodflooring, vinyl flooring, and carpet tile flooring, etc. Theseoptions are ideal for people who workout once in a while or whoperform floor exercises more than the machine or equipmentexercises. For someone who perform only floor exercises or yogathen vinyl or carpet tile flooring is enough. But, if you want afoll fledged gym in the house then rubber flooring is the onlyoption.Things to Consider While Choosing Rubber FlooringThickness of the Rubber Flooring: You must check the thicknessof the rubber flooring. If you have heavy weight machinery then gofor thicker rubber tiles or rolls, as they can withstand the weightaptly.Color of the Rubber Flooring: You also have to choose the rightcolor of the rubber flooring. There is a wide range of colors youcan choose from that can suit the overall decoration of the homegym you are designing.Check the stability of the Rubber Flooring: You must crosscheckif the gym equipment rests on the flooring properly. It isadvisable to mark the footprints of the equipment on the floor andsecure its location well.

How to Choose The Best Ones?A lot of factors decide whether or not you can choose black as akitchen cabinet color. For one, the size of your kitchen matters alot. If you have a small one, having completely black-colored onescan make it look much smaller and cluttered. In such a case, usinga dash of black in these furniture pieces, along with a lightercolor such as white, can help you give it a style, as well asprevent it from looking too cluttered. On the other hand, a largekitchen is the perfect place to introduce them in different styles,depending on the theme you are following for the same.Another important factor that determines whether or not youshould have them is the amount of natural light that your kitchenreceives. If it is situated in a dark corner, having such furniturepieces is not such a great idea. If it is well-lit, then black incombination with a lighter color will allow for a great reflectionof the natural light, and help you express your style withpanache.Finally, the overall kitchen décor also determines theirsuitability. Create a theme by which you can easily accommodatethat color in your cabinets, without making it too overpowering orout of place. The ones that define the modernity of design or arustic theme can all be a great way of introducing this color inyour favorite place.Some Interesting IdeasAs mentioned earlier, the following cabinet designs and ideaswill be discussed on the basis of a theme. Keep in mind that, sinceyou are following a particular theme, it should be applicable toyour whole house and not just your kitchen. You don't want it tostick out like a sore thumb because of your desire to solely revampyour kitchen. The overall theme does not have to be blatantlyprominent, but elements of a particular theme must be present allover your house for a better effect.The Contemporary ThemeContemporary kitchen designs are all about sleek lines and solidcolors, with no room for unnecessary elements. There is no room forsoftness when it comes to its design. As such, you have to becareful while choosing the cabinets to suit this theme. Ensure thatthe ones you install should be sleek and flat, without any moldingor the like.To achieve this look, you can simply have painted ones, whichwill allow you to give them a high-gloss finish that speakscontemporary through and through. Matte finish silver handles, orhandle-free cabinets are perfect to complete this look. To solidifythis look as a contemporary design, opt for a gray granitecountertop and, perhaps, a red backdrop against which the blackcolor will stand out. If you find red too bold, it is safe to stickto white as this combination is also perfect.As mentioned earlier, you can create a combination of colors incabinets if you find black too overpowering, even within thecontemporary design framework. Use colors such as gray and white,perhaps, with a dash of red to create the perfect combination. Thecombination can also be attained in terms of such black furniturepieces and white flooring, and perhaps, red chairs at yourbreakfast table. Also, use a bright backsplash to complete thislook. As overdone as you may find this color combination, nothingspeaks contemporary better than this one.The Rustic ThemeThough this theme centers more around wooden colors and elements,there are ways in which you can incorporate black in the scheme ofyour kitchen design. One of the best ways to do so is by installingdistressed cabinets that will not look too modern and, in fact, fitin perfectly with your overall design. For the best look, don'tcombine these pieces of furniture with any other color, or theywill take away the attention from the distressed furniture patternyou have tried to create. With their well-defined molding andsimilar elements, they are the most suitable choice for thistheme.

Fashion is no more restricted to teenagers andadults. Star kids such as Suri Cruise and Harper Beckham havealready been declared style icons. With high-end designers enteringthe market of kids' couture, luxury baby clothes are no longer aprivilege for the wealthy and affluent class. Many have alreadystarted following the footsteps of celebrities, and the market ofdesigner babywear has grown in leap and bounds over the lastdecade.You can buy anything from bibs, booties, and body suits to hatsand bonnets from a luxury baby clothing store. Accessories such asfine quality monogrammed diaper bags, designer bottle holders, andbaby booties lined with fine wool are also easily available,provided you can shell out big bucks. Personalized and handmadebaby apparel are also very much in vogue. Parents, who always wantthe best for their kids, tend to spend their earnings in suchhigh-end baby clothes and accessories, which are very expensive,and may not fit into everyone's budget.Flash Sale SitesRegister with flash sale sites that offer steep discounts ondesigner baby clothes. As a registered member, you will receivenotifications regarding flash sales that usually last for a fewhours, or a day or two. Check out such sites for grabbing someluxury baby clothes at a fraction of their actual price.Off-price RetailersThese retailers offer branded and designer clothes at a discountedprice throughout the year. They buy off-season goods, canceledorders, goods returned by other retailers, seconds, manufacturerirregulars, etc., and sell them at a cheaper rate. All you need todo is to spare some time to check their stock and get a gooddeal.End of Season SalesNever miss end of season sales, if you want to buy luxuriousclothes for your babies, at affordable rates. You can check online,as various sites offer huge discounts on a wide range of productsduring this time of the year. Even some stores and boutiques offerdiscounted prices for off-season items.Sample SalesThose living in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles mustcheck out the sample sales, for getting some designer baby clothesat a cheaper rate. Such sales are often intended to get rid ofexcess merchandise that usually includes off-season and overstockeditems.Rental SubscriptionWhy spend a fortune for designer baby clothes when you can rentthem? Instead of buying such expensive clothes that your babyoutgrows quickly, you can rent them for a monthly fee. All you needto do is to sign up for a monthly subscription of clothing rentalservice for babies. You will get clean clothes that can be usedtill your child outgrows them. Once you send them back, you willget new clothes.Cloth SwappingThis is a great idea that works well for kids, as they outgrowtheir clothes at a very fast rate. Instead of making your baby wearthe same designer wear for every occasion, you can swap it withanother piece of high-end apparel that belongs to your friend'skid. So, the chances are high that you get used designer babyclothes in excellent condition. You may try the local swap shop forbaby clothes, or else, form a clothes swap in your area. Otherwise,check out those sites to swap baby clothes.These are some easy ways to get high-end baby clothes withoutspending too much. However, your child will outgrow these clothesone day. Instead of throwing them away, save the good ones for yournext baby (if you plan to have one). Otherwise, you can always givethem to your friends or relatives.

We're so caught up in our hectic lives, thatwe seldom get time to unwind and relax. We look for escapes fromour busy schedule but rarely find them. The thought of taking atrip away for a couple of days seems appealing, but when it comesto the actual planning and packing and traveling, we prefer thecomfort of our homes. There is indeed no place like home. Now thinkabout this, what if you had that much-desired escape right in yourbackyard? What if you could take a trip into nature's splendor byjust opening your back door? Sounds enticing? Then you'll love whatI have for you! This article will tell you about Japanese gardensand all the different plants that you can use in it.What is a Japanese Garden?Japanese gardens, as the name suggests, is a garden that is createdin Japanese style. It follows the basic principles highlighted inJapanese culture: peace, serenity, and tranquility. Nature is thecentral theme in a Japanese garden. And everything that you usemust have an element of nature in it. The history of these gardensstates that, at first, they were made as a representation ofBuddhism, then the focus shifted to being a place to relax andentertain oneself. Then, with the improvement in gardeningtechniques, the gardens started flourishing and people who wereinterested in the designing and maintenance got a boost. Japaneseflower gardens have been glorified in numerous paintings andpoetry.Must-havesVantage Point: Almost all Japanese gardens have a natural orconstructed platform from which the entire garden can be viewed.This could be a platform in the middle of the house or a window inyour house, from which you can see the entire garden.Rocks: Stone is an important element in a Japanese garden. Sincenature has to be highlighted in such a garden, rocks can symbolizehills or a mountain range.Water: The basic idea of a Japanese garden is to magnify with theminimal space that you have. So, having water in your garden can berepresentation of seas or oceans.Bridge and Lantern: A bridge from one part of the garden to theother is also one of the salient features of a Japanese garden.Also, a lantern, made of stone, is often seen. Though some peopleuse it just for decoration, it does serve the purpose of lightingas well.Greenery and Color: Another, and probably the most important aspectof a Japanese garden is the display of greenery. It can exude thepeace, tranquility, and serenity that it stands for only by usingthe greenest plants and some shrubs with vibrant flowers to add adash of color here and there. Evergreen flowering shrubs displaythe grandeur of nature's bounty to the maximum. Bamboo plants arealso used quite often.Plants and TreesGiven below is a list of plants that you can use to plan your owngarden. They have been divided into grass or ground covers, shrubsand bushes, and trees that can be used.Hope this article has inspired you to design a sprawling garden foryourself. It's the best treat you can give yourself and yourfamily. So get your landscaping people to start planning one rightaway!source: buzzle.com

Backyard landscaping does not have to be a lotof hard work. There are many ideas for a low maintenance backyard.There are options that can give privacy to a portion of the yardwhile you enjoy some cozy moments with friends and family. Thebackyard can have many uses and you can use different landscapingideas to create a low maintenance, multipurpose yard. In thisarticle, we have listed some tips on creating a versatile,relaxing, and absolutely stunning landscape for yourbackyard.Unique Backyard Landscape Design IdeasYour neighborhood codes may dictate certain formal prerequisitesfor front yard landscaping. As a result, all the houses in aneighborhood look more or less the same. However, no such codesexist for landscaping backyard, meaning, you can implement someunique and personal landscaping ideas to your backyard. It can beyour haven for unwinding after a busy day at work or your holidayhome, in your own backyard.There is really no dearth of good backyard landscaping ideas thatcan appeal to people of different personal tastes. Some of thepopular landscape ideas are mentioned in the followingparagraphs.Animal ParadiseIf you are an animal or bird lover, then you can create a backyardthat can attract many species of birds and wildlife. Plant plentyof tall trees, bushes in your backyard. Place bird feeds atstrategic locations in a backyard. Build a small pond from wherebirds can drink water and play. You can also create a fish pond!Have a grassy patch in your backyard to attract wild animals suchas hares, rabbits, deer, etc. However, if you choose to haveanimals in your backyard, it wouldn't be a very wise idea to growflowerbeds or vegetables patches in your backyard.Caribbean OasisYou can transform your backyard to resemble a Caribbean retreat.Turn your backyard into a resort by placing some bamboo umbrellashades, beach recliners, and sand. You can choose to have builder'ssand or sharp sand, or even river sand if you can manage. You canalso build a hammock and plant some tall trees around to shieldyour Caribbean oasis from prying eyes in the neighborhood.Rock GardenRock garden is yet another interesting option for you to designyour backyard. You can use nice, colorful stones and pebbles ofdifferent sizes to decorate your garden. A stone based fountain canbe quite an addition to a rock garden. Xerophytes such as cactuslook apt in a rock garden. You can plant tall, evergreen trees atthe perimeter of your backyard to break the monotonous look ofrocks and add some greenery. Placing rocks around the plants canalso add up to the beauty of your backyard garden.Pools and PondsThis is a popular landscaping idea for backyard, albeit a littlepricey one. A swimming pool in a backyard provides a great ambiancefor summer parties. You can have deck or pool parties around aswimming pool. Besides, you may also have a couple of small pondswhere you can breed colorful varieties of fish and plant waterlilies. Adding lights in and around the pond would make it aneye-catching masterpiece in the night.Formal BackyardIf you intend to go for a very neat and clean look, then anEnglish-style backyard landscape can be ideal for you. Plant somebushes and shrubs around the edge of the yard and maintain amonotonous look of a lawn. Prune the hedges in a pyramid shape orthe classic round one. While pruning, maintain a bottom heavyshape, so that sunlight can reach the new growth. You can add a funelement to your backyard by pruning the hedges in unusual shapesuch as elephant, dinosaurs, etc. However, you will need regularmaintenance to keep up the look.

In urban housing plans, it is very difficultto get a space large enough for gardening. Hence, if you have alimited area, you can make a diy garden that is small. Even forlandscapers, planning a small flower garden layout is a difficulttask. There are many features to be incorporated while makingadequate room for each.Unique IdeasDIY Design plans for gardens that have limited space work betteras compared to mixing varied aspects of gardening. You canincorporate sitting areas with classy garden furniture, orsomething that reflects your personal taste and creativity. Factorsto be considered for designing a small garden are highlightedbelow.Garden LayoutImagine your small diy garden as a whole component without dividingit into different sections. You can include hidden pathways inbetween the garden for maintenance purpose. However, the theme ofthe layout should be such that you can enjoy the garden stretch asa whole (in one view).Gardening ApproachThe first step is to be firm about what you want in your garden.You should consider whether you are maintaining a garden just tobeautify your yard with flowers or if you want to grow seasonalvegetables too, and proceed accordingly.Garden ComponentsDesigning a garden within a small space does not mean that youcannot erect trellis, arbors, bridges, gazebos, or otherstructures. They serve the purpose of separating the garden spaceinto two parts. You can plant vines and flowering climbers to givea completed look or make flower beds at different levels.Selection of PlantsThink carefully while selecting the type of plants for your diylandscape. You cannot accommodate all the plants that you love togrow. Hence, pick the best of your choices considering the requiredcare level and adaptability of the plant in your area. Make surethat the flowers bloom for at least two seasons.Pattern of ColorWhile selecting plants for your diy garden, factors such as theplant height, growing conditions, blooming period, and maintenanceshould be taken into consideration. Instead of going for a blend ofvibrant colored flowers, go for light colored ones, as this willmake your garden space appear larger than it actually is.Design IdeasInclude a water element, or if possible, make curved flower bedsfor creating diversity in a plain-looking garden. You can placeornamental rocks at the borders to improve the texture of the yard.A perfectly maintained hedge with evergreen shrubs and bushes willgive privacy to you and your family members.The plus point of a small diy garden design is that you can payclose attention to your garden, while spending less efforts inmaintaining it. You should be watchful over the flowers, and removethose that do not survive well. So, implement these ideas andconvert your garden into a great space that you'll love visitingand revisiting.source:buzzle.com

Origami is a Japanese art of paper-folding.'Ori' means folding and 'kami' means paper in Japanese. Although itis taken for granted that origami must have originated in Japan;this is not the actual case. Origami originated in ancient Chinaaround first century AD and it was introduced in Japan by Chinesetravelers. This Chinese art of paper-folding soon caught fancy ofthe Japanese who developed various origami shapes.Origami was practiced only by the wealthy Japanese noblemen. Aspaper was expensive during that period, it was used by the affluentJapanese to show their skill and wealth. The Samurai would exchangegifts of folded paper with a strip of dried fish or meat, known as'noshi'. This was considered as a good luck token. The Shintonoblemen celebrated weddings by wrapping glasses of rice wine inbutterfly shaped origami representing the bride and groom.As time passed, paper became less expensive. People fromdifferent social backgrounds could practice the art of origami. Theorigami instructions were passed on orally from mother to daughter,generation to generation. There were no written manuscripts oforigami instructions due to high rate of illiteracy and mostfamilies didn't want their ideas to be copied by others. The firstbook, Hiden Senbazuru Orikata (The Secret of One Thousand CranesOrigami), containing origami instructions was published in 1797. In1819, a woodblock print was made entitled, A Magician Turns Sheetsof Birds, showing birds being made from paper. Window on Midwinterwas published in 1845, that included 150 origami models.Origami creates interests in minds of people who love craftactivities even today. This art and crafts activity is enjoyed bychildren who love making their own special objects from paper. Afew easy origami for kids instructions are discussed below.The following are a few easy origami ideas that can be used as acraft activity for childrenOrigami SwanTake a square sheet of paper and fold the paper diagonally andpress the paper to form a crease. Unfold the paper and fold thelower edges of the square into the crease. Flip the paper and foldpointed corners over the crease. Now fold the pointed edge upwardsinto half. Fold the pointed corner downwards about half an inch tomake the swan head. Fold the swan into half over the crease. Yourorigami swan is ready.Origami PuppyTake a square piece of paper, and fold the paper diagonally to forma triangle. Hold the triangle with the pointed edge facingdownwards. Fold the tip of the bottom point to make the puppy'schin. Fold the other pointed edges downwards to make the puppy'sears. Draw eyes, nose and mouth to create the puppy's face.Origami HatOne of the most easiest origami craft ideas is making a hat. Allyou need is take a rectangular sheet of paper and fold ithorizontally into two equal parts. From the corner of the closedend, fold about 2/3rd parts of the paper. This will bring the topcorners together at the center of the paper. Your paper will nowappear triangular in shape. With the help of your thumbs, fold thebottom end of the paper upwards from the open end. Turn the sheetover and repeat the step for the other bottom edge. Now, open yourhat from the bottom center and enjoy wearing it over yourhead.source:buzzle.com

Your house plan is truly a reflection of whoyou are. It is a place where you can relax, enjoy, eat, sleep, butmost of all a place where you can be in your elements. I rememberthe last time I decided to refurbish my home, I thought the firstthing that I needed was a professional designer and so I hired one.I got too caught up with the ideas that the designers had beenshowcasing and advocating. However, the day I saw the entire planon the blueprint, I realized that although the design looked great,it did not appeal to me as my own home. That was the moment Idecided to do away with the designers, and take charge of thedesigning process myself. Designing your own house can be quite atask, but totally worth it since it enables you to give the place apersonal touch. Designing a house can include both the primaryarchitectural elements as well as the interior designing elementsthat follow. In this article we will cover both the aspect thatwill assist you while designing your own house.Architectural DesignArchitectural elements are vital if you are planning a houseplan from scratch. The first thing that you need to do is undertakea detailed study of the space available to you, requirement ofrooms, the possibility of multiple stories, the roofing, as well asthe locations of window and doors. In case you find thisintimidating, and are still willing to work without a professionalarchitect, there are a number of software applications that canhelp you with this task. A simulation of your plot area and thepossible positions and areas of multiple rooms can be tried outusing these designing software. You can easily drag the walls onthe virtual interface until you finalize the layout and come upwith your own final blueprint of the house plan.Once the house plan is ready, you can hire services of a goodresidential building company to materialize your blueprint into anactual finished structure. While handing over the reins to them,make sure you explain them the plan carefully and ask forsuggestions. Once the plan is finalized and the builders are atwork, have a word with them on a daily basis so that the finalproduct comes out just the way you wanted. However it is advisablenot to interrupt their work very frequently and trust them withtheir job.Tips to Remember:Although you have decided to plan your house on your own, youcannot be aware of all the architectural design principles (unlessyou are an architect yourself). Hence, once you have finalized yourplan, get it checked from a professional and try to incorporate thesuggestions.Involve all the members of the house while the plan is being madeand consider individual requirements for their rooms. The finalplan should be convenient for every member of your house.Study the natural lighting directions to ensure optimum naturallight in the living room or the study room according to yourpreference. After studying the light pattern it would also beconvenient for you to finalize the placement positions of doors andwindows.Choose accurate placement of walls. Avoid a cluttered plan, studyyour space, and don't try to include too many rooms within littlespace.With a little more research, try to incorporate unconventionalpatterns and styles into your house plan.The ColorsInterior designing for your own house plan is like giving you apalette of colors and a blank canvas. All you need to do is workwith your magic brush, adding a stroke here and there until you aresatisfied with the end result.First of all, use a good quality water-resistant andlong-lasting paint. Yes, choosing the colors for your house canseem like an easy job, but it is advisable to put more thought intothe process.

When you get invited for a cocktail party andthe theme is to wear something elegant, the first thing you wouldthink of doing is go shopping! But, if you don't have a particulardesign or color in mind, you are just going to end up buying asimple black dress, which you think would look elegant. Everyonewears black at parties, as it is a common understanding that blackis an evening color.Let us tell you, there are multiple color combinations andcolors apart from black, which look stunning for evening wear. Aday color like yellow could also be worn to an evening cocktailparty, but it just needs to be designed well and accompanied withthe right kind of accessories. Take a look at some ideas which willmake you look like the star of the evening.Elegant Evening DressesThe entire essence of dressing up lies in the dress that youwear. It can make you look prettier than any girl in the world oreven completely spoil your look. This is where your choice in thedesigns and colors come into the picture. If you're having troubledeciding what colors to wear for a cocktail party at very shortnotice, read on to know all about beautiful cocktail dresses.Classy DressesCocktail dresses are meant to be knee length yet classy. Theygive you cute yet elegant look and can be carried off very easilyunlike the long evening dresses which have to be managed time totime. They are comfortable to walk and dance in and don't need toomuch of maintenance either. Some classy designs could be asfollows.As mentioned earlier, colors like blue, green, turquoise, lemonyellow, beige, purple, pink, and white can be the other colorsapart from black, which can completely make heads turn at the partyyou will be going to. So, make sure you buy a dress in any of thesecolors. Though black looks classy; a beautiful, short, ruffled hem,blue colored cocktail dress would look absolutely stunning. Teal isanother color that could be included if it is shoulder strap with aplunging V-neckline and satin on the busts. A red short stretchmesh one with normal shoulder straps will also look ravishing andclassy. Similarly, a feathered white one with noodle straps, andthe length just a little lower than the hips, would make you lookslim and pretty. Fuchsia strapless ones in colors, like pink,mauve, bottle green, and lavender with either hip or bust bowswould look very classy too.Some other designs could be tunics, either printed or plane.They look very casual yet classy and can be worn as a one or twopiece cocktail dress over a tight black mini skirt. Bubble dressesin metallic or turquoise would also look beautiful. The necklinealso changes the appearance of the dress majorly. If you can, findsomething in halter neck or simply one shoulder in any color. Ivoryand beige are also pretty colors in which you can find somesequined cocktail dresses. Crossover necks or strapless pleatedones in teal, aquamarine, amethyst, and ivory would look stunningon you. You can have all these patterns and designs in elegant plussize dresses as well.Sassy DressesSome sassy and bold cocktail dresses can be of any colors youlike. It not be only elegant, it can be sensual and attractive too.All you need is the attitude to carry it off. If you're looking forsomething like this, then you can go for a sequined halter dresswith a cross back strap and knee length in size. Silver is also abeautiful evening color which will make you dazzle if it is aV-neck and the back is a simple A-line in pattern. A pleatedstrapless one in almond color or a butterfly pattern is just thedress for you to get sassy and neat. Drape ones are also quitewanted by a number of women as they look very informal but alsooccasional, so you can get one of these for your cocktail party.Don't forget to buy your accessories no matter what color you getit in.We are sure, with such a variety of elegant cocktail dresses tochoose from, you will make the finest choice. So, get

The wedding cake is the showstopper at mostweddings. Tiers and tiers of delicious confectionery, just waitingto be devoured by the guests. The cake topper, the topmost part ofthe wedding cake, is as special as the cake itself. There's a lotof thought and planning that can go into selecting a cake topper,believe it or not. There's the style, design, material, size,weight, color, and more such things. Let's know how to choosewedding cake toppers for your big day!Choose by your styleAs a couple, what is your personality? What are your likes anddislikes? What kind of styles do the two of you, as a couple,enjoy?✦ Are you two mushy-mushy romantic? Try something classic like apair of doves.✦ Do you enjoy a good laugh at each other's expense often? Go witha funny topper like a bride holding the groom on a leash or thegroom running away from the bride.✦ Do you want to stick to tradition? Go with the standard bride andgroom figurines.✦ Do you want to proclaim your new initials to the world? Go with amonogram.

Bathroom vanities are extremely useful and arethe best addition to bathroom decor. These are perfect storageunits, which also work as a decorative piece. A cabinet below thesink and a counter-top gives it the finishing touch. There are manythings like the available area for the sink, etc., that need to beconsidered while buying vanities. If you are planning to havethese, then here are some ideas for you.Things To ConsiderFirstly, consider the existing bathroom design, size of thevanity you are going to have, and the number of sinks. One of theideas for a master bathroom, is to have two sinks. It is also agreat idea to have a length of wall occupied by the vanity. Anotherthing that you need to consider is the amount of storage space yourequire. More the storage required, more the size of vanity orextra cabinets around. It is best to buy the sink and mirror alongwith the vanity, so as to have a perfect package installedtogether.On or Off the FloorYou can either opt for tall legs for the vanity, if you needless storage, else you can have just 2-3 inches of legs to keep itabove the floor. You can also have it touching the floor. Anotheridea is to fix it to the wall and have the ground space free.Organizing the VanityOne of the vanity design ideas is to have a mix of open shelves,closed shelves, and drawers. This will help you organize the thingsneeded in the bathroom properly. The small things can be placed indrawers that can be pulled out to get easy access to the itemsplaced in it. Shelves can be occupied by towels and bath robes.Use Elegant MaterialsSolid wood will make a truly lavish and distinctive lookingvanity. There are a variety of finishes available, of which cherry,maple, and mahogany veneers are most popular choices. Havingcontrast shades for the doors and drawers is a good idea. You canhave a column of horizontal shelves in the center and closedshelves on each of its side. Have drawers in a complete horizontalrow, just below the counter-top. You can have many variations likehaving the open shelves on two sides, drawers at the bottom, etc.,as per your requirement.On the VanityChoose the counter-top that will go well with the wood finishesused. Granite tops that are available in a number of colors are theperfect choice for vanity tops. Again, using a bowl sink is a goodidea to go for instead of the regular sink. You can have a matchingcolor in this to complement the vanity. Consider the colorful anddesigner bowls in unique shapes.AdditionsIf you don't wish to shell out a lot of money, you could have aplain mirror with a bold border matching with the vanity. If budgetis not an issue, consider buying a large and decorative mirror. Youcan also consider adding more open smaller shelves on a side of themirror and a closed cabinet on the other side. Match the finishwith that used for the basic vanity cabinets. You could also havethe other bathroom accessories in matching colors as well. Tryinstalling the bathroom flooring and wall tiles that will go wellwith this. Also get some new towels in coordinating colors to spiceup the look of the entire area. Wall scones and embedded lights canbe used to illuminate this area. You can also have lovely hanginglights to spice up the look. Placing a plant in a lovely planter isanother creative idea to beautify it.Implementing the aforementioned ideas is sure to help you give asophisticated look to your bathroom sink. Whatever may be the sizeof your bathroom, having these in the right designs, colors, andadditions will definitely add a luxurious feel to this area. Allthe best!

Do you return home stressed and tired afterslogging hard at work? Do you come home with a headache and droopytired eyes? Do you enjoy the occasional drizzle from the confinesof your window? Do you lean on your kitchen platform and wait foryour oven to grill that juicy sirloin while you feel the coolbreeze flow outside? Get yourself a patio. In your backyard orfront yard, or even on the terrace. A patio with a couple of loungechairs, walkway, barbecue grill, an accompanying swimming pool, ora small pond, will stimulate your living by notches.A patio is not just a designed backyard, but also a place whichyou can utilize for entertainment and recreation. After a tiringday, who wouldn't like to have a place to spend their evening justlazing around! If you have a patio and want to spruce up its image,and are looking for some nice design ideas, then you can try addingin a fire pit to your patio. Fire pits are a popular addition topatios as they create a warm glow to the outdoor experience andenhance the surroundings.Building a patio with a fire pit also adds value to yourbackyard. If not a compulsion, it is certainly an aestheticnecessity. Patios with fire pits lend a rustic charm as well aselegance and beauty, while providing the perfect place for a familyto sit around the fire and enjoy the sunset.Like any other patio accessory, fire pits come in differentsizes, designs, shapes, and colors. While some can be simple andunderstated, other fire pits can turn your drab space of land intoan inviting sanctuary. With so many options to choose from, it canbe difficult to choose a patio design with a fire pit that suitsyour needs and taste.If your yard is fairly small, using a portable fire pit or afire pit table can be of great help, since they save space. Aportable fire pit gives you space flexibility, while a fire pittable doubles up as a table as well as a fire pit. In contemporarypatio designs, fire pit tables have gained huge popularity.Another design you can use in small backyards or compact patiosis a sunken fire pit. A sunken fire pit is basically an insulatedpit dug up in the yard. Let the pit be big or small, depending onthe size of the yard. A fire vessel made of wood or metal isanother option there is for a small yard. A fire vessel usuallycomes with its own lid, which comes in handy, especially if you areplanning to buy a portable fire-friendly vessel.For an inexpensive option, just create a fire ring using naturalstone instead of a tall block structure. These days, ceramic firebowls have also made an appearance in the market, although theyhaven't taken the average consumer by storm as was expected.For yards which are fairly big, if not huge, the number ofoptions increase considerably. Design your patio in such a way thatit can accommodate a fire pit anywhere you want. Generally, inmedium or large patios, fire pits occupy the center spot to spreadwarmth evenly in all directions. Construct a concrete square or astone rock structure, and top it with sandstone tiles for theclassic country look.If you want to go more rustic, use paver blocks or naturalregular stones to build the outer structure. The pit can be partlyfilled with sand, gravel or manufactured crushed stone, and partlywith firewood for a sober but warm effect. For yards that are nottoo small and have enough moving space, metal pits (cast-iron andcopper are the most popular) can be used. While both have a highmelting point, giving them enough longevity, copper has a slightedge over iron in this context.

Eye-catching earrings is something that canbreathe life into any outfit. It can also transform the way youlook and feel; and represent yourself around others. Whether youchoose to wear small diamond studs, or are an ardent follower ofstatement pieces, no outfit can be deemed complete without itspresence.So the next time you're about to head out the door, keep thesefactors in mind, and grab a pair of stunning earrings to showcaseyour personality. Depending on the hairstyle you are wearing, hereare our suggestions on what type of earrings will suit you.Besides selecting the color of the earrings, the length of yourhair should also be taken into consideration. Keeping this vitalfactor in mind, we have provided a few options for you to choosefrom.Some fashion experts advice against wearing long earrings withponytails or braids, claiming that it can overpower the hairstyle.However, we beg to differ. Of course, you can wear dangly earrings;but it's always a good thing to keep your hair sleek, and pulledback. See, it's all about finding the balance. With either hoop,chandelier, creole, or dangle earrings, what you're aiming for hereis sophisticated-glam. As far as side braids are concerned, evenwith the earlobes being covered with hair, long earrings willdefinitely make an impact.Remember?always wear earrings, big or small, if you have shorthair. Since the earlobes are exposed, more here than with any otherlength, it demands maximum attention. If you're heading out to dosome chores, then small earrings are fine. However, if an occasiondemands you to take the extra efforts, do not hold back. Do selectthe not-so-obvious earrings like chandelier, dangles, or dropearrings as these will make your face appear slimmer.With shoulder-length hair, you have a wonderful advantage ofchoosing any type of earrings you like. As the word any can bemisleading at times, we ask you to stay away from too long, or toobulky earrings; anything except for these is great. So, go withstuds, small loops, or small dangles, as neither of these earringswill dampen your style. Just be sure not to choose earrings thatare longer than your jawline.Letting your long, sexy hair down for the night? Don't settlefor the clichéd diamond studs. Instead, try a slightly biggerversion of studs, and transform your look altogether. Or, if you'refeeling a bit adventurous, then why not give statement earrings achance. These earrings may be "too much" for some, but trust meladies, it definitely is worth a try. Bold accessories are intendedto stand out. The only thing you need to focus on is, not to wear anecklace with it.Whether you're getting ready for a prom or a wedding, orprobably going out on a date, a stylish updo sure can speakvolumes. And to complement the hairstyle, it's essential to choosethe right pair of earrings. Keep the color of your dress and itsneckline in check before you pick the earrings. Other than that,you are free to choose from diamond or metallic studs, dropearrings, elongated earrings, hoop earrings, and what not.Apart from the length and style of your hair, the accessoriesyou choose to adorn it with also matters. So, if you're planning towear a headband, go with either a pair of swing or danglingearrings. You can also add earrings when you have a hat on. Yes,small studs and dangles give you a feminine appeal, even if yourhair is tucked in.

A pallet is a structure which provides stablebase for transportation of goods. While wood pallets are commonlyused in the transportation business, those made from plastic,paper, and metals are available in the market as well. Most peopleare unsure about what to do with these pallets after their use.Many people just store these pallets in warehouses without furtherprocessing them. Pallet recycling is the process which makes bestuse of old or used pallets. Instead of throwing these pallets ingarbage and increasing landfill areas, one should give them to therecycling companies.Old pallets can be used to make new ones. It requires a bit ofeffort to repair broken pallets. Work of dismantling andreconstructing these pallets is carried out in recycling units.This easy-to-implement process can save lots of trees. Apart fromnewly recycled pallets, other items that can be created out of thisprocess include furniture and mulch required for gardening. A bagof mulch costs higher than the one made out pallet recycling. Suchkind of wood can also be used for fireplace logs. Some people tryout new and creative ideas apart from those mentioned above.Pallets are used as fences and few people also make bird feedersout of them.Recycling BusinessArranging for transportation of old pallets, in order to bringthese to the recycling plant is important from the point of makingthis business run smoothly; damaged pallets are collected throughthis transportation facility. The route for this transportation hasto be planned/chalked out in a manner that maximum number ofclients are covered in a single trip. A truck should always be keptavailable for this task.The raw material for this business (used pallets) is broken downinto planks. In case of plastic recycling, conversion of pallets inliquid plastic takes place at the recycling plants. Owners of thisbusiness oversee these tasks and also their efficiency. It isnecessary to check whether recycled pallets meet the standarddesign specifications. On an average, the pallet recycling pricesfor a single piece (wooden) range from $5 to $6. To avail any kindof financial assistance for the pallet recycling business, thecompany/firm has to be at least 2 years old. Banks, financialfirms, and leasing companies provide financial assistance to suchrecycling units.The equipment used in pallet management mainly include thedismantling machines, forklifts, and computer numeric control (CNC)machines. The CNC machines have to be calibrated so that variationsbetween programmed dimensions meant for pallets are minimized.Loading and unloading of pallets is carried out by means offorklifts. The dismantling machines used are of two types. Thefirst one is pressure-type dismantler, while the other is band sawstyle machine. Using the pressure-type dismantler, pallet board issheared or popped off the stringer. Other machines, i.e., the onewith a band saw style also has a unstubbler. A saw blade is used tosever the nails. It is better to choose the band saw style machine,since one doesn't have to purchase an unstubbler separately.

You have a lot of options when it comes tostorage in your garage. You can design overhead storage for largeitems you need to keep, but don't use often, or vertical storagefor bikes and tools. Paint panels of pegboard for added designinterest and practicality; hang them on the walls to take advantageof every available space.OverheadAdd storage space in your garage with ceiling-mounted shelving,hooks and hangers. You can design the width and height of yourceiling shelves with metal bars attached to the ceiling joists andconnected crossways with metal racks and braces. Adjustable barsgive you height options based on the type of storage you need.Overhead shelves provide out-of-the way storage for holidaydecorations and other large items like coolers and campingequipment. You can also find mechanically adjustable storage thatyou can raise and lower, as needed. Design your overhead shelvingout of the way of the garage door opener. Metal hooks and hangersshould also hang from the ceiling joists for storing ladders,bicycles or anything else that will hang vertically from theceiling.VerticalVertical storage, like cabinets and shelves, offers easyaccessibility for items you use frequently. Consider a work spacewith closed storage underneath, combined with tall, verticalshelving racks on one or both ends. You can also store your bikesvertically with a special floor-to-ceiling rack for up to fourbikes, stacked two high. Design your vertical storage based on theavailable space in your garage after you park the car. Make surethe depth of your cabinets or the placement of your bike pole doesnot prevent you from parking your car and opening its doors. Alsomake sure it does not interfere with closing the garage door.PegboardOne of the simplest storage solutions in your garage is pegboard.You can run it around the perimeter of the room, in the center ofthe wall, or run it from the top of your work space to the ceiling.Paint the pegboard to add color and style to your garage spaceeasily with alkyd primer and acrylic paint. If you begin with whitepegboard, you don't need to prime it. Tape off a geometric designwith painter's tape for added interest or paint it one solid color,whatever suits your garage design style. Select hooks for thepegboard to fit your storage needs.

New parents are extremely overwhelmed by thethought of purchasing clothes for their little bundle of joy, andhence, may sometimes, end up buying certain unnecessary andinappropriate outfits. The baby's rapid growth and changing size,delicate skin, tolerance level, etc., are some of the mostimportant concerns that should not be overlooked while shopping forbaby outfits. Having said that, let's go through a few tips givenin this Buzzle article, and make the best of your newborn babyclothes' purchase.Appropriate SizeIt is important to purchase clothes that are made for yourbaby's current age and size. There are certain standardmeasurements that determine the exact size of clothes for every agegroup. For example, size 000 is perfect for babies aged between 0-6months, whereas size 00 fits properly for the babies aged 7-12months. However, remember that these are standard measurements, andthere are several factors that may influence the size of theclothes, like, the weight and height of the baby at birth. Somebabies may need the standard size according to their age, but somemay require a size bigger than what is suitable for their age. Toavoid the purchase of incorrect size, you can carry old clothes asreference.One-piece Outfits are the Best ChoiceA new cute little member has entered your life, and you wanteveryone to see and adore him. So, you dress him up in the mostfunky, trendy, expensive, bright outfits to add to his cuteness.There are several pieces in one outfit that look really cute, untilthe baby starts getting irritated by the lace around the neck, orthe tight elastic of the pajama around his waist. It is extremelyimportant to understand that the baby's comfort and safety shouldbe the top priority while dressing up the baby, rather thanfocusing on how the baby will look in the outfit.Moreover, your baby is just a few days old, and you dress him upin a synthetic pajama with the elastic band around his waist. Now,imagine what will happen when the tight pajama rubs against theumbilical cord of the baby. It may be severely painful for the babycausing irritation and rash, not to mention the fact that he willcry ceaselessly.Soft Collars, Waist Belts, and NecklinesFussiness around the neck is a strict no-no for newborn clothes.Although stiff collars with embellishments or closed necklines withembroideries and ornamentation look extremely cute, adorable, andappealing in the store, they can be a real pain for your cutelittle girl or boy. Babies, during the first half of the year,spend most of their time sleeping. Hence, they need a comfortableoutfit that doesn't irritate their skin and cause discomfort. Thiscalls for clothes that are made of cotton with envelope neck andbuttons on the front side. It would be even better if the outfitdoes not have any buttons, but enough space at the neckline for thebaby's head to pass through.Too Much is Too BadAs mentioned earlier, babies grow rapidly during the first fewyears. Hence, your idea of stocking the baby's wardrobe withseveral varieties of clothes may not be a good one. Your baby willoutgrow those outfits in just a few months, and you will again haveto go for shopping new ones. To avoid all this, plan everythingbeforehand. Keep it simple and minimum; it will save you a lot ofmoney for buying other necessities for the baby.

Prom night is an occasion that holds a lot ofimportance for most young ladies who are waiting to go on thatperfect date with their Prince Charming. When in search of thatperfect outfit, girls are known to go that extra mile in order tofind the most dazzling outfit for the prom night. Many girls wouldprefer to opt to go to the nearest mall in search of the rightoutfit, but there are also some creative minds that would ratherdesign their own prom dress to create a stunning ensemble,something that cannot be bought off the shelf. When you design onefor yourself, you also have the advantage of wearing an outfit thatis exclusive and tailored to suit your personality and style. Todesign your outfit would require you to be aware of many thingsbefore you take that ultimate step. You need to take many factorsinto consideration when you make your own prom dress. The materialand the time involved in the creation of your very own exclusivedress would need to be thought of completely before you begin theprocess.Tips to Design Your Own Prom DressWhen you begin the task, you can first take a look at someexisting ideas in the latest fashion magazines or boutiques. Thiswill help you get an idea about what the latest trends are. Keepingthis in mind will help you to design something that is uber-cooland in line with the latest fashion trends. There are many thingsyou need to consider when you make your own prom dress:Check out the Latest Silhouettes:When you first begin to design, keep your body shape in mind. Thisis the first step that will help you to enhance your personalityand make you look really stunning on your prom night. The nextthing you need to do is to be aware of the kind of silhouettesbeing used. This will help you to find a style that basically suitsyour personality in every way.Take a Look at the Kind of Fabrics Used:A study of the kind of fabrics is very essential when you designyour dress. The kind of fabric you choose also depends upon thekind of prom dress you are planning to wear. The fabric also helpsto determine the fall of the dress. The right kind of fabric alsohelps you to get the right look. When you decide upon the fabric,you can also bear in mind the kind of budget you have set.Check out the Kind of Colors Used:Fashion trends keep changing and so do the colors of the season, sokeep that in mind. But, take into consideration your skin color aswell. Choose a shade that best complements you in every aspect.Selecting the right shade can bring out the best in you.Be Aware of the Kind of Accessories Used:Accessorize your prom dress with the right kind of accessories sothat you can enhance your look. Think about some cool hairaccessories, diamante earrings, high-heeled footwear, and elegantbracelets that can complete the look.Know What Suits You Best:If you refer to fashion magazines, you would also need to keep thekind of body shape you have in mind. You must always select a stylethat best compliments your body structure. If you are confidentabout your body and have no issues flaunting the same, you can goin for some patterns that are slightly revealing and give you asensuous look.Think about Some Dazzling Embellishments:The right touch of embellishments can help you add that sparkle toyour outfit. When you design your dress, a few hints of glitteringembellishments, such as precious stones and sequins, can all helpto add that touch of glamor.Be creative when you design your own prom dress. This will ensureyou dazzle everybody at the prom night

Though architectural design keeps evolvingwith time, architects never shy away from drawing inspiration fromtraditional architectural designs. This is the reason whytraditional designs are often combined with contemporary ones. Thedesign elements that were used centuries ago can still beincorporated to evoke an old world charm. Well, this is the reasonwhy traditional Palladian windows can still be seen in contemporaryhomes. Scroll down to learn about this unique window design alongwith ways to dress such windows.What is a Palladian Window?Palladian windows are named after Andrea Palladio, an ItalianRenaissance architect who used this unique window designextensively in his works in the sixteenth century. This design wasbased on his interpretation of the classical Roman and Greek templearchitecture. Though this window design was used earlier by anotherItalian architect called Donato Bramante, and the mention of thiswindow design also figured in the literary works of an architectcalled Sebastiano Serlio, Palladio's name became associated withthis design as he incorporated this design extensively in many ofhis famous architectural works in Vento. This is the reason whythese windows are also referred to as Venetian windows. This designbecame very popular during the seventeenth and the eighteenthcentury and continues to appeal architects even now. So, what doesa Palladian window look like? A Palladian window is a large-sizedwindow that is divided into three rectangular sections. The sectionin the center is the largest in size, and is flanked on each sideby smaller side sections. The large center section is also toppedby an arch. This arch certainly provides a classy appearance tothis window design. Use of decorative mullion or vertical dividersbetween the sections can also add visual appeal to the design. Infact, these large arched windows could even become the focal pointof a room. Though these can enhance the interiors as well asexteriors of a home, one must, however, consider the size andheight of the room before incorporating this design.Palladian Window TreatmentsMost people who have Palladian windows in their homes, oftencomplain about the lack of options regarding window treatments. Thedesign of the window is such that choosing a decorative windowtreatment is not that easy. Draping these windows with heavycurtains, drapes or shutters would certainly ruin their look, so,if other houses are not located at a close distance, and you arenot worried about privacy issues, you could even leave thesewindows as they are. Using a window treatment is therefore, amatter of personal choice. If one is keen on using a windowcovering, one must look for a window covering that will not hidethe window design. Minimalistic arched window treatments such asvalances or swags could highlight the interesting shape of thewindow. You can place the curtain rod right below the arch, andhave pole swag and jabots draped around it. If you are planning tohang curtains, then make sure that you select the fabric properly.Instead of using a dark-colored fabric that may hide the form ordesign of the window, the better option would be to uselight-colored silk curtains or just sheer curtains. The light sheerfabric will allow light to enter and the diffused light willcertainly enhance the look of the room. You could also leave thelarge center window uncovered, while the smaller windows that flankthe center window can be draped with pleated panels. These can betied with decorative tiebacks.

Note that Indian mehndi designs are intricate,with fill-in designs between the larger pictures. Indian mehndileaves little skin showing. Indian mehndi also uses motifs likepeacocks and human figures.See that Arabic designs are spaced further apart and do notcover as much skin as the Indian mehndi. Arabic patterns leave moreskin showing than Indian patterns. Arabic mehndi consists mostly offloral designs; animal and human figures are not usually used.Note that Indian designs consist of many small shapes, whileArabic designs consist of several large shapes with large areasthat are completely filled in with henna. Large shapes in Indianmehndi often have patterns inside them rather than a solidcolor.Purchase "Mehndi: The Timeless Art of Henna Painting" or find acopy in your library. This is an informative reference fortraditional henna application and contains information on whatvarious motifs and symbols represent.Find a mehndi design in the "References" section and print itout. Wash the area to be painted with soap and water. Drythoroughly with a soft cloth.Copy the design from the paper onto the desired area with thelaundry pen. This will be a guideline for applying the henna. Toavoid drawing freehand, trace the design onto tracing paper withthe laundry pen, then apply roll-on deodorant to the skin where thetattoo will be. Lay the tracing paper on the area, marker-sidedown, and press gently. Wait about two minutes before gentlypeeling the paper away. This will transfer the design from paper toskin.Place two or more teabags with hot water into the mug. Allow thetea to steep for about 15 minutes, until it is dark. Put hennapowder in a bowl and add about 10 drops each of eucalyptus oil andlemon juice. Spoon in tea and stir until a thin paste isformed.Spoon paste into the applicator. Trace the outline of the designwith paste. When coloring the leaves and flowers, you may fill themin completely with paste or just trace the outline. Allow the pasteto dry overnight. Do not get the paste wet.Wipe away the paste with a soft, dry cloth. The henna shouldleave behind a dark design on the skin. If the design is not darkenough, reapply the paste overnight.

Fashion is not just for grownups anymore andthere are many dress designers who specializes in designing clothesfor kids. Young girls like to wear dresses that are chic andstylish and there are many designs of dresses for young kids andpre teens. Kids generally have strong likes and dislikes and so itis best to take their opinions before buying a dress. When you buydresses for kids, make sure that they are comfortable to wear andthe finish of the closures are well made and sewn. Metallic zippersand closures of low quality can cause allergic reactions on theirdelicate skin. As far as possible choose bright cheerful colors fordresses for kids. Sober and more sophisticated colors can be wornonce they grow up.If you are looking for nice dresses for kids, then a shortruffle dress is one of the best options that you can opt for. Ashort mid thigh length dress with an empire waist and ruffles atthe skirt looks cute on small girls. You can choose either asleeveless design or a ruffle dress with flutter sleeves. Shortruffle dresses in fabrics like cotton, linen and cotton blends aregreat options for the summer. If you are looking for something moredressy, then go for a short ruffle dress with lace and metallicembellishments at the bodice.A great option for casual summer wear is a halter dress in abright color. A knee length or mid thigh length halter dress withelasticized tie ups at the neck and tiered double ruffles at theskirt is a good option for casual dresses. Choose such girlsclothing in fabrics like cotton voile and linen for a comfortablefit. Patterns like small stars and seashells looks very fetching insuch dresses. While selecting a sleeveless dress for your littlegirl, make sure that the elasticized tie ups are not too tight asthey might dig into the skin and cause rashes.If you are looking for something comfortable for your littlegirl to wear, then you cannot go wrong with a racerback tank dress.It is a very trendy design and your little girl is sure to like ita lot. A racer back tank dress is essentially an A-line dresswithout sleeves with a racerback. Choose fabrics like jersey orcotton blend for a comfortable fit. These type of dresses areavailable in many designs and patterns with nautical stripes andditsy floral prints being the most popular.A favorite with small girls, tiered dresses makes little girlslook cute. It is simple dress with a fitted bodice and three tofour tiers at the skirt. For a special occasion like a birthday orparty, you can choose from tiered dresses made in fabrics likeorganza, silk and chiffon. Pastel colors like lavender,butterscotch, peach and baby pink will look gorgeous in suchdresses. Tiered dresses with piping on the skirt and rosettes onthe bodice are also great choices for special occasion dresses forkids.A drop waist dress is a dress that has a longer bodice and ashorter skirt. Drop waist dresses are very popular among younggirls and they look quite charming too. Drop waist dresses infabrics like cotton and linen are good choices for the summer.These type of dresses are also available in fancier versions withlace trimmings and sequin details as well as self tie and sidepockets.Select dresses for kids that have a modern design and which iscomfortable to wear. You can even sew such dresses at home, if youhave good sewing skills.

Creating zoo animals out of paper plates is afun, inexpensive activity for children that allows them to expresstheir creativity. This exercise also presents children with aninteractive way to learn about animals. With a few coloring tools,a pair of scissors and some glue, you can help your child create anentire zoo of paper plate animals.Cutting and ColoringThe first part of this project requires the help of a parent,guardian or teacher to ensure the child's safety. Using one paperplate per animal, cut out the basic shapes of a variety of zooanimals. You may also want to consider cutting out just the headshape of an animal. This presents a larger surface area for yourchild to color, which can then be turned into masks. To do this youwill cut out the shape of an animal's face and cut holes where theeyes would be. If you want to take this craft a step further, cutout the mouth area to allow children to talk through the masks.Once you have cut out all the animal shapes or masks, allow thechild to color it. Crayons, markers and colored pencils work wellbut you will probably want to lie something underneath the areawhere the child will be coloring because the child will want tocolor their animal to the very edge of the plate.GluingWhen the child has finished coloring, glue popsicle sticks to thebottom of the animal figure or mask. If you created the shape of anentire animal, the stick will allow the child to move the animalaround in play without disturbing the delicate material of thepaper plate. Do the same on each of the masks you created so thatthe child can easily bring it up to his or her face to lookthrough. Use popsicle sticks that are larger than normal. They willprovide extra support for holding up the paper plate.You and your child can also glue colored construction paperobjects onto the mask. This is a great way to create silly lookingmasks that children will enjoy sharing with their friends. You cancut out funny mouths with teeth and different shapes of ears. Hatsare another accessory that can be glued to both the masks and thefull animal figures. Help the child glue these pieces on and cleanup any access glue so that it does not interfere with any of theother artwork.

We can all agree to one thing, that a cleankitchen creates a welcoming atmosphere. Women spend a huge part oftheir day in the kitchen, cooking different delicacies for theirloved ones. Every meal, be it an elaborate meal or just spaghetti,requires preparation before it is cooked and this preparationrequires space.Galley Kitchen ideas work with kitchens that are small, and lackspace for the various kitchen appliances. The most important thingto remember while designing a galley kitchen is, that there shouldbe sufficient aisle space between the two parallel kitchencounters, to facilitate easy movement during cooking. The otherthings to be kept in mind are color themes, lighting, spaceutilization, and furniture for the kitchen. Given below are galleykitchen renovation ideas to make your kitchen elegant andfunctional.Wall paint helps small spaces look bigger. You can use pastelcolors like ivory, peach, light brown, pale lemon yellow, palepink, and other similar pastels for your kitchen walls, to make theplace look bigger. Also, the use of white color in the kitchengives it a pristine appearance. The color of the cabinets in thekitchen should also be towards the lighter shades.The color of the kitchen countertops should also match the colorof the walls and the cabinets. You can also think of kitchenbacksplash, using light-colored material. This makes kitchencleaning easier and gives your kitchen a good look. Glass, tiles,ceramic tiles, and marble are some of the materials that can beused for the backsplash. Make sure that these are also in lightcolors to help reflect the light from the window or the overheadlight, making the kitchen look bigger.Effective kitchen lighting is another important aspect that onemust keep in mind. A galley kitchen should be well-lit, so that itappears bigger in size. If you have a window in the kitchen, ensurethat your kitchen window treatment allows plenty of light to streamin. In case there is no window in your kitchen, go in for overheadlighting. Overhead lighting is one of the best kitchen lightingideas, and will brighten up your kitchen.To enhance the light effects, try task lighting. Task lightingis shadow-free and shines over the work surface. You could alsoplace lights in glass cabinets or use halogen strips under thecabinets. This would beautify the kitchen even more. Under cabinetor under counter lighting will create the illusion of space, in asmall kitchen. Sufficient lighting makes the kitchen appear warmand welcoming. Dark or dim lighting will make your kitchen looksmaller and give it a closed look.When it comes to flooring, it is the appearance that actuallycounts. Match the color of the flooring of your kitchen with thatof the walls, cabinets, and make sure it goes with the countertopsas well. Ensure that your kitchen flooring is not dark in color, asdark flooring tends to give a closed look to the kitchen.Tiles must be chosen carefully, as easy-to-clean tiles is whatyou would prefer. They should not be slippery. Do not just focus onthe looks, but also check the material and the surface texture ofthe flooring you choose. Walk over the flooring to check if itproduces too much of noise

As long as the glass and frame are in goodworking condition, a used aquarium can give you the best bang foryour bucks. So, before you set out in the market to become a usedaquarium owner, read through the below-mentioned buying tipsthoroughly.Similar to any other buying process for used products, you haveto set a clear picture of the amount of money you are ready tospend on the product. Therefore, the first thing to consider whenbuying a used aquarium is setting the budget.You just cannot bring the aquarium, fill it with water, and putthe fish in; you need all the accessories to make it beautiful andfunctional, right? Therefore, your set budget should be inclusiveof all these additional bells and whistles.Used Aquarium Buying TipsInspecting an Already-set and Running AquariumLeakagesThis is perhaps the best situation you can be in. A setup andrunning aquarium can be easily checked for leakage. You can startby looking at the external wet surfaces. Run your fingers along thejoints to see if there is any leakage. Sometimes, the leak can bevery minor.The next thing to observe is the sign of water damage on thestand or the floor. See if there is any particular spot that hasbecome rusty or has got salt or hard water deposit. If you noticeany wetness on the external surface, or any persistent water markon the stand or floor, it is a sure-shot sign of a leak.Usually, a leak is not that difficult to seal and can be donepretty cheaply. A 100% silicone sealant, which renders a waterproofseal can be used to stop the leakage.Inspecting an Empty AquariumThe Duration for Which It Was Kept DryFirst, you must ask the seller about the time duration for whichthe aquarium has been empty. This is important because the sealsdry and shrink over time, which may lead to creation of leaks thatwere initially not present, but have developed due to prolongedstorage.Type of Fish That Were Last KeptYou should inquire about the type of fish that were last kept inthe tank, or if any chemical treatment was done. This step isessential for your future fish, because some breeds of fish aresensitive to certain chemicals or even soap.Integrity of the FrameStart with checking the frame of the aquarium. If it has a crosssupport in the middle, check it thoroughly for integrity. The frameis usually provided as an extra support to the tank to bear theoutward pressure that the water puts on the glass. If the frame isbroken, it would be wiser not to choose the tank.Water Leak SignsYou can look for water leak signs in a similar manner to that ofa setup aquarium. Any white-colored stain of hard water saltdeposit, along the seams and seals, is a clear indication that theaquarium was leaking in the past.Integrity of the Silicone SealThe next step is to check the silicone seal. Run your fingerslowly across the seams. See if you can feel any rough, depressed,or any unusual patches. Also, observe if the silicone seal hasstarted to pull away, leaving the joints open. I would advise youto slide your finger slowly because if any chip or crack ispresent, you may unknowingly hurt yourself.After that, you have to observe the silicone bond carefully. Toomany air bubbles in the bonded space is a sign that the tank hasthe potential to lose integrity and start leaking. But it is not amajor concern because resealing of the tank can be done veryeasily.

Acacia derives its generic name from the Greekword ???? meaning thorn, it was first noted by Greekbotanist-physician Pedanius Dioscorides in his book Materia Medica.It is also known as thorntree, whistling thorn, and wattle, andbelongs to the subfamily Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae, agenus of shrubs and trees. There are about 1,300 known species,most of which are native to Australia, while the rest originate inthe tropics or moderate areas around the world. Red acacia thatoriginates in Africa is known to have been utilized to buildEgyptian coffins and medicinally used as incense to treat jointpain and fever.Due to its rich appeal and fragrant nature, it's utilized tocreate exotic furnishings, perfumes, paints, durable flooring, andluxurious items. Moreover, it's becoming extremely popular for homewood flooring as it lends a stylish appeal to the furnishings.Given below are the major advantages of the acacia woodflooring.1. RICH AMBIANCEThis exotic hardwood comes in different hues?from vibrant yellowsto enriched browns and reds?and rich texture. It is characterizedby deep-set grains which offer robust and smooth pattern on theflooring, giving it a sophisticated look. It is available in avariety of plank sizes; a wide hand-scrapped oil finished plankaccentuates a rustic ambiance, while a narrower aluminumoxide-touched plank eludes a formal and smooth atmosphere.Moreover, it emits a sweet fragrance rendering a refreshing aurathroughout the house. So, if you wish to create a tropical oasis,then this wood is the best option than former classics like hickoryand European oak.2. HARDNESS & DURABILITYAccording to the Janka hardness scale, it has a rating of 2300 psi,which makes it 55% harder than European white oak, 23% harder thanhickory, and 90% harder than carbonized bamboo and wood flooring.It is one of the most durable and sturdiest hardwoods in the marketand lasts a lifetime.3. COMFORT & SUITABILITYThis hardwood flooring is extremely comfortable for humans as wellas pets and is resistant to damage. It can be installed in any areaof the house, making it an ideal choice for outdoor picnic sets andpatios as well as indoor fixtures and cabinets.4. COST & MAINTENANCEThe wood is value for money and is easily available in the marketin low-budget range approximately USD 3.99 / sq. ft.- USD 5.89/sq.ft, hence it does not burn a hole in the consumer's pocket. Itshard and dense wood makes it naturally resistant to scrapes,scratches, dents, wood rot, and pestiferous insects. The sheen ofthe wood can be easily maintained through occasional washing andpolishing. Apart from that, it does not require periodicalterations.For an exquisite and refined flooring, acacia hardwood is themost adept selection as it does not have any apparentdisadvantages. This flooring offers low installation cost, cheapsustenance, and endurance, and an aesthetic investment for alifetime.

While decorating the house, hallways generallyget ignored. They are the walkways which inhabitants of the houseuse to get from one room to another. Usually, it is seen that theybecome the dumping ground for all the unwanted things in the housesuch as old newspapers, clothes, etc. As they are visible from mostof the rooms, this can dampen the look of the entire house. Thesolution? Extend the interior decoration of your house to thehallway! Decorate it in such a way that it reflects yourpersonality and style!Wall ColorsThe walls should be painted in light, neutral colors such as beigeand white, so that it appears spacious and at the same time dispelsdarkness, if any. However, there are always exceptions to thisrule. If your hallway is very large and wide, you can experimentwith a plethora of bright colors such as red and yellow, as long asthese colors go with the interior painting in the other areas ofyour house. One good idea is to paint it in a neutral shade andjust when it is about to end, paint it in two or three shadesdarker color. If there is an adjoining staircase, you can spice upthe look by painting the stairs in some unique colors andpatterns.Wall TreatmentsIf you want to do something different and unique with the walls,you can consider wainscoting. To keep things simpler and have asimilar effect, wallpaper is an easy option. If you have a dadorail, keep the wallpaper above plain and the one beneath it,patterned or embossed. For those of you who are willing to put ineffort, time, and money, plaster finishes in sand and grains,marble flour, limestone, etc., can be looked into.LightingLighting plays a big role in the decorations. You can choose fromceiling lights, wall lights, and table lights, according to yourrequirements. Wall sconces, placed around five feet from the floor,illuminate the area and are ideal for small spaces. Track lightscan be dimmed or made brighter according to your choice. Their bestfeature is that they can direct the light anywhere. Recessionallights are the best option for highlighting a piece of art. To addto the décor, hang a chandelier or a pendant at its entrance sothat anybody walking in can admire it's beauty!AccessoriesWell chosen and appropriately placed accessories can really add tothe appeal.One of the ideas is to hang a few framed family pictures on one ofthe walls to make it more warm and inviting. Leave almost no spacein between the pictures to enhance their impact. If you want aclassic look, hang only black and white photographs. Also, theframes of the pictures should match with your décor.If you want to give the area a gallery kind of look, hang anartwork. Use a spotlight over this artwork to draw attention toit.You can also hang a large framed mirror in it. Mirrors reflectslight back, both natural as well as artificial, thus increasingvisibility, brightness, and beauty. They make the space appearbigger than it actually is!Sometimes, the place may appear very isolated compared to otherspaces in the house. So, to make it look inviting, add somefurniture pieces to it. Console table, foyer table, chairs, andmid-sized cabinets are some furniture items that you can keep here.Remember, not to clutter the way too much!

A family that eats together, stays together.Most of us wouldn't doubt the truth of this statement. A diningroom is not only a space meant for eating together, but it alsohelps in bonding with one another. A conversation that starts withpraising the cook for the mouth-watering meal, ends up with sharedplans, suggestions, laughter, and love. Therefore, it is extremelyimportant to embellish this room with elements that will not onlymake it look appealing, but also infuse a sense of warmth,substance, and individuality of the family on a whole.Every house speaks to its visitors, conveying them thetemperament of the people residing in it. Be it any room of thehouse, it should be ornamented with elements that reflect yourpersonality. This point is specially crucial for the dining roombecause, as we had mentioned earlier, it is the room to wine, dine,and rhyme with dear ones. A dining area that fails to reflect thewarmth and increase the appetite, would miscarry the owner'sreputation for sure. But, fret not. The following section will giveyou a list of the must-have items in your dining room, that willhelp you transform the area and make it appealing in every way.Well, technically there are many things that you need in yourdining room?a good and spacious dining table, crockery, fruitholders, napkins, and the like?but these are the basic necessities,pretty much like saying that the must-haves for a wedding are thebride, groom, and marriage registry. While these basic elements areindispensable, we would be focusing on the not-so-basic, butessential components that you need, to make your dining roomperfect in the true sense of the word.Lighting arrangement plays a crucial role in the ambiance of theroom. It would be a good idea to install adjustable lights in thearea to alter the mood of the room depending on the occasion. A dimcandle chandelier would be perfect for a romantic setting, whereasbright cluster chandeliers and pendants would add the much-neededliveliness to the room when it comes to a complete family gettogether. It is not necessary to hang the lights above the diningtable, at the center. You may choose alternative options such aslamps and wall sconces to add warmth to the room.There is nothing that puts us off more than a bare dining table.A table that is meant to make you 'full' should never be kept'empty'. Decorating the table with some quintessential centerpiecesdisplays a pleasing and welcoming atmosphere. On the other hand, atable that is kept bare displays an unfriendly, non-welcomingambiance. You don't have to prettify the table only when expectingguests. Keeping some scented candles, flowers, or perhaps a fruitbasket would do the trick.In most families, the time spent in the dining room is used tobond with each other, ask the plans for the day ahead, or how hadthe day been so far. While everyone enjoys the meal along with eachother's company, why should the wall be empty and silent?Decorating the primary wall of the room with some creative andeye-catching wall art would make this room a much-coveted corner ofthe house. You could use framed family photographs, elaboratepaintings, murals, or a mounted decorative item made with metal, amirror perhaps. Just let your wall speak of your hospitality.

Women's boots are vastly different fromtheboots worn by men for the simple reason that women wear themmorefor their oomph factor. The knee-high and the thigh-highbootsreally have to do more with the sexy feminine factorthanfunctionality. These have been made famous by ramp struttingfemalemodels and movies like Pretty Woman.Knee-highThese come up to the knees when worn. Generally, the bootswillend somewhere below the kneecap, and there are several waysofwearing them. Women might wear them with pants like men'scowboyboots, they might wear them with a short skirt, or just inaboutany way that is the flavor of the season. There are endlesscolorshere, and sometimes their style is so unique that womenwouldprefer to shop for the boots first and then the rest oftheirensemble.These boots can be made of leather, synthetic rubber, oranymaterial from the polyvinyl carbonate family. The materials canbekept plain and matte-finished for ordinary wear, or they mightbemade ultra glossy for a more glamorous touch. They can bezipped,buckled, laced, braided, or simply slipped on if they fitright.Common heel types that you can find on these shoes arestilettosand platform heels, but flats are also becomingcommon.Generally, these shoes can be worn to work as well as to aparty.Women who have to work outdoors a lot can wear them forprotection.They are also good for picnics. At the same time, theycan be aproud part of the woman's entire ensemble for a party. Assuch,these boots are quite versatile.Thigh-high'Thigh-high' implies that they come up to the thighs.Theirlength is variable, but they can be identified by the factthatthese shoes will be generally way above the knee. Their makeandstructure is mostly the same as the knee-highs, but thematerialsused is more flexible to allow for the movement of theknee as itwill be inside the boot.But unlike knee-highs, the thigh-highs are used bywomenexclusively for fashion. Julia Roberts made these boots famouswithher act in Pretty Woman, which included a scene of herseductivelygetting out of them. In recent years, these boots havestepped fromthe world of pure glamor to the world of erotica, andeven fetish.Foot and leg fetishism is a huge domain forthigh-highs, and thereis a whole world of alternative sex aroundthese boots. Womenwearing thigh-highs are usually typecast as theupper hand insadomasochism.Most female music divas of today have sportedthigh-highssomewhere or the other, and some of them have evenperformed liveconcerts in these boots. Some of the big names in theworld ofhaute couture are creating a fashion niche for these shoesand theyare marvelously succeeding. So, even when there is a lotoftypecasting for these boots, it is quite evident that theyhavetheir place in the mainstream fashion too.

Most often, your entryway or foyer is thespace that will introduce guests to your home. Coming in all shapesand sizes, and including varying ceiling heights, some homes'foyers may be a grand entrance, while others are a small space justbig enough to house a coat rack. Improve the look of your home'sentrance area by decorating the entryway. Read on to learn more.Look at the floor; it's the first place a guest will look whenentering a room. The rug or mat in your foyer will sets the themefor the space. Start with your rug as a basic decorative element tobuild around. Choose a durable material that will protect the floorand minimize dirt-tracking.Add a decorative table. Almost all foyers include some type oftable. From a simple glass table to something more elaborate, likean ornate hall tree or Bombay chest, these pieces serve as thefocal point of the room. The table should be proportionate to theroom, and it should never block traffic flow or create awkwardspace in the area.Mirror the space. Mirrors are standard entryway decorationsbecause they can add sparkle, create the illusion of a largerspace, and can be dressed up or down. They can also evoke a senseof style and flavor. Functionally, they're wonderful forlast-minute hair and makeup checks.Add life with plants. A few small potted plants are nice, as aresilk arrangements placed atop a table or shelf. They break thespace with soft, abstract edges. A large tree--either real orfaux--such as a ficus, can add interest to static cornerspaces.Don't solely focus on visuals; appeal to the nose too. Create animpression that appeals to all the senses by offering a welcomingscent. Fresh flowers, potpourri or a scented candles to enhance theair with a subtle fragrance that doesn't overwhelm. Vanilla is aneutral favorite.Splurge on big-ticket items to make a big impact while goingeasy on the budget since it's a small space. Entryways and foyersare great places to incorporate decorative crown moldings,wainscoting and expensive wallpapers. It's also an ideal spot toshow off an antique or heirloom piece.Personalize the space with family portraits or a personalcollection.

Front yards are very important because firstimpressions are formed by what people see, even when they are onlypassing by. Most front yard landscaping ideas are determined by theeffect one wishes to present to others. This is determined by thelocation, size, and other design aspects of the house and what theowner wishes to emphasize. There are many different things that areavailable to the designer, color, along with size and shape ofplants and trees, as well as texture of leaves. One can usecontrast or other effects that use several different plants andtrees.This is usually created by color or plant size or both to bringthe eye to an entrance way or other area of a house or yard. It canbe beautifully created by two shrubs of one or different colors andthen in the center a shrub of a third possibly brighter color.There are many things that you can do with front yards. They canbe as elaborate as one wishes them to be. Let's begin with a modestresidential neighborhood. There are many things that can make ahouse look much nicer. There are several different methods you canuse to manipulate the front yard. Through this Buzzle article, Iprovide you with some aesthetic considerations to create abeautiful yard.The aspects of landscape design can be mixed and used togetherto create an impressive front yard. Large shrubs, all with the samecolor, size, and texture can be used as a backdrop for a smallcolorful garden, that is otherwise surrounded by colorful rocksthat have either a complementary or contrasting color scheme.The main color differences are warm colors (red, orange, andyellow)-these colors are used to attract attention either tosomething, an address for example, or away from a plain coloredwall. There are also cool colors (blues, and purples). The coolcolors relax and are good for meditation gardens. In a front yardthese can be used along with "line" to draw attention to a pathleading up to the front door along a path or driveway. This colorrendering can be achieved by planting flowering plants with brighthues, along the path lining.Straight or "hard" lines direct the eye along a path andemphasize length; this might be good for making a small house oryard look bigger. Curved lines, as in a round or semi-circulargarden soften long straight hard lines of buildings. This is oneway of creating a balanced landscape composition.There are several plant forms or textures (of leaves andbranching trends). There is the columnar (an extreme would be theLombardy Poplar, with its branches pointing to the sky), weepingtrees (trees like the weeping willow, and Japanese Maple tree),that give a luxurious feel and can be very impressive in a yard orgarden, and spreading trees, shrubs. Relative size of plants andtrees should be kept gradual except in special cases, where specialeffects are desired. In this case, extremely tall trees or plants(like the elephant ear) would be placed close to ferns or otherplants with small leaves, thus producing a striking contrast.Usually created by fences, walls or other borders such as with arock wall or border, border definition is necessary around gardenareas to give a finished look. In a front yard it is nice to have asmall garden next to the house, to bring color and contrast to abrick wall or to a color that is not so pleasing to the eye. Inthis case, using a border of small bricks or a small fence isnice.

Embroidery is the art of decorating fabricorother materials, by stitching designs, using thread, yarn, andaneedle. Often, other materials such as metal strips, preciousandsemi-precious stones, and sequins are used to enhancethisdecorative stitching technique.Hand embroidery involves stitching designs by hand ontothefabric. This process is time-consuming and painstaking,butproduces amazing results.History of Embroidery StitchesThe use of embroidery to decorate clothes has been aroundsinceman began to wear clothes. A method of decorating andembellishingclothing, embroidered designs were developed as aresult of hardwork and care. Embroidery as an art form has itsorigins, which canbe traced back to the Iron Age.This journey began when primitive man discovered that hecoulduse thread to join pieces of fur to make clothes. As anaturalprogression, he also discovered that the same thread couldbe usedto make decorative patterns on the clothes. He also usedcolorfulbeads, stones, and bones to add to these designs.Several excellent examples of beautiful embroidery work arestillsurviving till date. Samples can be found from Ancient Egypt,China,Persia, India, and England. Each country has its owndistinctiveembroidery style, which incorporates the culture andimagery fromtheir history and tradition.Embroidered clothing was also considered to be a symbolofwealth. Many scenes from history are often found designedontofabric; for example, the Bayeux Tapestry. It is 231 feet long,andportrays the Battle of Hastings in 1066.Industrial Revolution and EmbroideryThe discovery of the shuttle embroidery revolutionizedtheclothes industry. In the 1800s, Joshua Heilmann worked onimprovingthe design of a hand embroidery machine. This began achain ofevents leading to the development of sewing machines in the1860s,to the invention of hand powered embroidery looms in the1870s.Embroidery in Today's WorldPresently, machine embroidery has grown by leaps andbounds.Computers have added another twist into this sewingtechnique, bymaking the process easier for mass production ofvarious designs.Nowadays, machines are available in the market,which can embroiderdesigns for you. Specially designed machines caneven read acomputerized design and stitch it for you.Embroidery as an art form has enhanced our civilization,makingit more aware of the beauty that can be created with a needleand athread. Intricate designs and brilliantly colored patternshaveinfused a beauty of their own onto fabrics, adding to theirvalueand worth.embroidery patternswe have best embroidery patterns here!

Landscape designing is a field where yougetample opportunities to display your creativity. Your homebackyardis one place where you can try out different things withoutthefear of making mistakes. However, this task is not that easy.Lotsof things need to be considered while designing the same.Moreover,it becomes much more interesting and complicated as youenter itsdepths. There are numerous design ideas. Here are some ofthem thatmight prove beneficial.PlantingThe plants to be chosen for it should be the local ones. It iseasyto take care of the native plants, since they are more familiartous. Try to plant something every season, so that the gardenremainsa treat for the eyes throughout the year. Plants can be usedtoconstruct a fence around the landscape. Nowadays, lawnsareconsidered to be an integral part of any landscape. The conceptofhaving a lawn in gardens originated in England. It rainsevenlythroughout the year in England, which makes it easy tomaintainlawns. However, lawns should be avoided in areas whichexperiencethe problem of water scarcity. For using watereconomically,micro-irrigation proves to be the best option. Flowerbeds shouldbe layered. Layering places taller plants behind, andthe shorterones and the other plants can occupy the space inbetween them.Landscape DecorThese decorations are meant to attract attention. They are thefocalpoints of any landscape. Bird feeders, bird baths, hangingbaskets,and clay pottery including vases, add to the beauty of agarden.However, these objects should be placed in such a way thatthey donot affect plant growth. A bridge at the entrance of agarden lookscatchy. Having a swing in the garden adds to thecomfort and can beused as a reading-cum-relaxing area. The deck isanother featurethat is used for the decoration. It acts as anextension to the roomnear the garden.WaterfallsA waterfall can completely change the look and feel of thesame.Along with a pleasing view of water streaming into the pond,itssound relaxes our mind. A 2-feet tall waterfall is perfect forasmall landscape.Color SchemesDifferent color schemes enhance the look of the same. They canbeused to attract attention and also shift the focus away fromdullsurroundings. Yellow color refreshes the mind, henceyellow-coloredflowers should be near windows for better visibility.There aremany color schemes implemented by these designers. Inthemonochromatic color scheme, the main objective is to use huesofthe same color. The colors adjacent to each other on thecolorwheel (a system to represent hues of colors in a circularformat),are used in the analogous color scheme. For example, yellowandgreen colors can be used in this scheme. The complementarycolorscheme uses colors that are opposite to each other on thecolorwheel.Hobby GreenhousesHobby greenhouses can give a special touch to the same. Childrencanlearn a lot about gardening through them. The interest intheconcept of hobby greenhouses is growing day by day.Nowadays,people have begun to understand the importance of greeneryin theirlives. Hobby greenhouses add to the knowledge about variousplantspecies. It is possible to learn about different exoticplantsthrough these portable structures; and that too in ourownbackyard. Furthermore, these are available at affordable pricesandin different forms.Garden Designing SoftwareThose who are unable to spend time for this task can opt forasoftware to carry out the same. The software wouldsuggestdifferent designs suitable for your landscape, based onthedimensions of the garden. Also, a landscape contractor can behiredto implement the design provided by the software.

Swimming pools are the best way to beatthescorching summer heat. Everybody loves to plunge into thecoolwater and relax away! For those who love swimming, enjoyingthebenefits of a swimming pool in the backyard is notfar-fetched.Moreover, places where the temperatures are really highin summer,such pools are a necessity.Several types of swimming pools are available to suitdifferentneeds. Pools above ground level, below ground level, aswell as theportable types, are available in the market. Dependingon one'sbudget, space availability, time and convenience, one canchoosethe type of swimming pool to be installed.Above-ground Swimming PoolsThis type comprises swimming pools that are installed abovegroundlevel. It is the cheapest option among the swimming pooltypes.These pools come in variety of sizes, with models rangingfrom 10ft to over 30 ft in diameter. They are beneficial when onedoes notwish to dig up the backyard and install an in-groundswimming pool.Moreover, above-ground pools are cheaper as comparedto in-groundpools, and also take lesser time to install.Above-ground pools canalso be dismantled and taken to one's newhome, as in case ofrelocation.Most of the above ground-pools can be constructedusingpre-fabricated kits. Thus, an amateur can also have theswimmingpool assembled on his or her own, thereby saving theexpenses ofhiring a contractor. Above-ground swimming pools requireflat andlevel surface, and also require access to electricity andwatersupply. These pools do have their share of cons as well. Theymaybe less expensive, but they do not last long and alsolackaesthetic appeal that the in-ground type has. Above-groundpoolscomprise two types of pools: soft-sided pools and hard-sidedpools.The soft-sided pools are constructed from rubber orlatex.Hard-sided pools are constructed using metals and fiberglass,whichmakes them more durable and expensive.If you are skeptical about the look of the pool, then there'snoneed to worry! You can build a pool deck (the same height asthepool) around the pool and make it look like an in-groundswimmingpool. You can also attach fences to the walls of the pool,toprevent children from falling over. Some decks are built insuchways that people are unable to believe they are notin-groundpools. Landscaping can also be done to enhance theoveralllook!In-ground swimming pools are not only the most popular, butalso,the most expensive type of swimming pools available. Peoplewho arenot tight on budgets and space, opt for these pools. As thenamesuggests, these pools are built into the ground (belowgroundlevel). The advantage of opting for this pool type is thatthe sizeof the pool can be endless. One can choose the shape,length, depthand width of the pool as one desires. This facility isnotavailable in other pool types. They also last longerthanabove-ground pools. Moreover, the presence of an in-groundswimmingpool increases the value of the property. Maintenance costsforthese pools are more, as compared to other types. There are 4typesof in-ground swimming pools available:Vinyl-Lined In-Ground PoolsThe most commonly used type of in-ground pools is thevinyl-linedtype. In this type, soil is dug out, a frame isconstructed for thepool, and sand is placed at the bottom. Metal,wood or plasticwalls are constructed, which are then lined with avinyl liner.These pools are relatively cheaper, however, do notlast long. Thevinyl lining has to be replaced once in every tenyears.

You have to keep certain things in mindbeforeyou start designing your home office. The interiors have tobecomfortable, practical, and should serve the purpose that theroomhas been made for. Therefore, selecting the right colors,textures,furniture sets, and other items, is of great importance.Even ifyou are dealing with a room with a small amount of space,you canstill make it look beautiful with the right kind of design.Makesure that the design should be the reflection of yourownpersonality.Color SchemeThe first step of the design ideas for a home office is toselectthe color for its walls. Usually, the size of a home officeissmall, so it is better to avoid dark colors as dark shades tendtomake a room look even smaller. Opt for some bright colorslikeorange, lime, lemon, etc. It is important that you choose ashadethat you are comfortable with. It is not at all essential togo forone single color for the entire room. You can use acombination twoor three different colors to give it a vibrant look.If you wish todecorate your walls with pictures, artworks, walldecorations, thenyou can keep the color of the walls white. It willhelp to attractattention towards the decorative items.FurnitureFurniture of the home office depends on yourpersonalrequirements. Make sure you do not crowd the space with toomuchoffice furniture. Ideally, it should include a desk,comfortablechair, book case, and filing cabinet. For bettermobility, you canchoose a desk with rollers for yourself. Thus, youcan work sittingbesides the window if you wish to do so, or move itnear thefireplace during winters. Wood furniture with pale colorsare goodfor any home office as they reflect a lot of light and makethearea look spacious and bright. One of the most important aspectsofdesigning a small office, is that the furniture should be placedinsuch a manner that the room does not look cluttered.Regularcleaning, entry, and exit should not be obstructed in anyway.DecorationHide all the cords and wiring of the room with the helpofconduit material. There are several options available forwindowtreatments like drapes, shutters, mini-blinds, etc. Youshouldchoose the one that is in consistent with other officefurnishings.Keep one of the walls for the purpose of holding thevarious officegear. Here you can hang items like bulletin boards,whiteboards,reference charts, important diagrams, etc. If yourclients arevisiting your office regularly, you can put up salesfigures tomake a good impression on them. On a side table next toyour desk,you can put up the awards that you have received. Theycan act as areminder of your accomplishments. Keep some beautifulpieces of artobjects on wall-mounted shelves. To decorate yourdesk, you can usesome lamps or photo frames. For a personalizedtouch you can keepoffice plants, a fish bowl, or fresh flowers in avase.

Your bedroom forms the core of yourcomfortzone in the house. I am sure that you want it to be equippedwithall the amenities and designs that turn it into yourcomfortcocoon. Only you know what you want and therefore, it'sbefittingthat you design your own master bedroom.Designing a floor plan of your house is all about artfullyusingspace and resources to create a comfortable home. You maybeplanning to make a floor plan for a bedroom in your new houseoryou may be designing a new one for your existing house. It isnotnecessary that you take a crash course in architecture todesignyour plans. The design effort it requires is within thecapabilityof anybody who is willing to study and apply what hehaslearned.Designing TipsSimplicity, elegance, and economy are the hallmarks of a goodfloordesign plan. First thing to do, before you embark on thedesigningproject is study the architecture and the latter part isapplyingwhat you have studied. Here's what you'll need to do.Study Floor ArchitecturesVisit the library and get hold of architectural magazines devotedtointerior designing. Scan out the floor plans provided therein.Getphotocopies of design plans that you like. This will give you afeelof what you want in your own plans.Download Plans OnlineYou can get some master bedroom ideas from sites that offersuchplans for free. You can download and print out such plansandinclude some features that you like, into your own plan.Furniture & Fixture PlansOnce you have an idea about what kind of space you want tocreate,you can decide on the furniture and fixtures. You need todecidewhether you want to have customized furniture designed orbuyready-made. A customized set can give you an opportunity tomakeoptimum use of space. Measurements of floor space willputconstraints on your design and hence when it comes todesigningplans, you need to take it into consideration. The otherthing tothink about is light fixtures and other electricalconnections,along with plans for an attached bathroom.Flooring and PaintingFlooring and painting is another factor which you need tothinkabout. Colors matter when it comes to home interiors, as theyhavean effect on the overall ambiance. Also decide on the kindofflooring that you want for your bedroom.Draw Your PlansBuy a graph paper and start drawing the plan you have in mind.Youcan also use architectural software that helps you create 3Dfloorplans. Last thing to do is make a pricing analysis of allthefurniture, fixtures, and overall costs. You may need to trimyourdesign features according to your budget.Designing projects like creating floor plans can not only bealot of fun, but can also give you a firsthand idea of thebudgetyou can expect to build one. Designing your plan is anactivitywhich you and your spouse can do together and enjoy. Takeyour timeand make sure that you have the perfect plan, tailor-madeto yourrequirements and budget, before you go ahead.

In order to carry all the books,notebooks,project papers, research materials, activity books, andthe rest ofthe stuff which is required for colleges, you need adurable andlarge bag. A college bag or backpack is the best optionthatcarries all your college essentials and keeps your handsfree.However, carrying the same old pattern college backpack allthetime and for each year starts to get boring.A tote bag is nothing but a large purse or handbag which isusedfor carrying things in bulk. Marine community also uses totebags,that are today popular as boat bags or sail bags. Tote bagsareideal to carry all the important things like, books,everydayitems, some clothes like a scarf, makeup items, cosmetics,andother trivial stuff. These bags are more popular amongst girlsthanboys. However, there is a wide range of tote bags for boys aswell.Using these bags is the latest trend which is gainingpopularitythese days.Fashion tote bags are great and really useful for collegegoingpeople, especially girls. First thing that you need toconsiderwhile purchasing a tote bag is that it should be largeenough tocarry the stuff that you need on a regular basis, whichmostlyincludes books and notebooks. Apart from that, the bag thatyoupurchase should also have an additional space for yourpersonalstuff like gadgets and cosmetics. It is the reason why onecan saythat choosing the right type of tote bag depends upon yourpersonalpreferences. For instance, some may prefer a tote bag whichis bigenough to carry their laptop, while some may prefer a totebag withextra space for their books as well as gym clothes. Hence,first ofall you need to set your preferences straight before youstartsearching for the bag.Tote bags are available in a wide variety of fabricsandpatterns. You should go for the one that best suits yourdailycollege requirements. These bags are typically made of aheavilytreated or tough material and hence they are quite durablefor along term and rough usage. Common materials that are usedformaking tote bags are treated canvas, jute, nylon,treatedpolyester, cotton, etc. You can also find some chic pebbleleathertote bags. Some bags are available with zippers andcompartments,while some are available with one large storagesection. These bagsare available in a wide range of size and pricetoo. They are alsoavailable with slight modifications in thetypical and cutemessenger bags for laptops.There are various brands that offer you a great varietyofcollege tote bags. You can also check some online storesandwebsites of popular brands and find out some great deals forcheaptote bags. There are a few brands that specialize in tote bagsforlaptops, for instance Laurex and Hadaki Multitasker. If youwantbig tote bags for books and notebooks, you can prefer brandslikeWildkin Butterfly, Dakine Ava, Ogio, Derringer tote bags, etc.Ifyou prefer alternative and Indie style bags, then Ed HardyUnisexMessenger Bags, Disney Nightmare Before Christmas-Skull PunkSallyGoth tote messenger bag, band bags, leather bags, Guns NRoses,Ramones, etc., offer good options.If you want large tote bags with typical plaids, you cansearchfor the brands like High Sierra Plaid, Hurley Special Blend,DakineWomen's Messenger Print Bag, JanSport Elefunk, Roxy BrokenRulesLaptop Bag, etc. You will surely get some trendy plaidpatternslike black and white saddle, chocolate chip saddle,sophisticatedblack plaids, classic plaids, Twilight plaid, plushplaid, Vivienneplaid, etc.

Knowing how to crochet a flower can greatlyenrich your craft repertoire. A crochet flower can stand alone as apin or a barrette, or it can be used to accent other pieces. Acrochet flower can be attached to various crochet or knittingprojects, such as a scarf or a sweater. It can also be embellishedwith beads or gems to add even more detail. With just a bit ofcrochet knowledge, you can be on your way to making flowers of yourown.Begin by chaining three stitches. Slip stitch into the firstchain, creating a circle. Double crochet stitch into each chain,then slip stitch into the first double crochet stitch to form acircle.Stitch round two by chaining one stitch, then single crochetstitch one, chain three, then skip the next two single crochetstitches. Join the round together with a slip stitch.Begin the third round by slip stitching in the first chain threeloop, then chain one. In each chain three around, stitch a singlecrochet stitch, a half double crochet stitch, two double crochetstitches, a half double crochet stitch and a slip stitch into eachstitch around. Work a slip stitch in the first slip stitch to jointhe round.Chain four, then stitch a single crochet stitch in the nextsingle crochet stitch. Repeat until round four has beencompleted.Complete round five by slip stitching in the first chain fourloop. Chain one, then stitch a single crochet stitch, a half doublecrochet stitch, two double crochet stitches, a half double crochetstitch, and a slip stitch into each chain four group. Join with aslip stitch.Complete round six by repeating the pattern of chaining fivestitches, then skip eight stitches and slip stitch into the nextsingle crochet stitch. Complete round seven by slip stitching inthe first stitch of the chain five loop, then chain one. Stitch asingle stitch, a half double crochet stitch, two double crochetstitches, a half double crochet stitch, and a slip stitch into eachchain five group. Join with a slip stitch, then fasten off.

High heels can certainly hurt, especially forwomen who are not accustomed to wearing them. Heels that are veryhigh can make feet ache and legs hurt. The effects can evenreverberate into the back, causing a variety of aches and pains.Over time, wearing high heels can cause lasting problems in thefeet and back.How do women deal with this? Many women simply build up immunityto the pain caused by high heels. They wear these types of shoes sooften that soon it becomes a somewhat natural stance to wear highheels. In fact, some women start to prefer high heels over flatsbecause the heels no longer cause pain, and the women like the waythe heels make them look and feel. Some of these women havecalluses that develop on their feet and toes that actually make iteasier to wear heels without pain.Quality ShoesIn most instances, the higher the quality of shoe, the better thedesign will be. Some heeled shoes may be more comfortable ifwell-made. This is certainly not to say that buying an expensivepair of high heels will guarantee comfort because there are plentyof very expensive high heels that aren't comfortable in the least.On the other hand, it is usually easier to find an expensive pairof high heel shoes that are comfortable. Some women who wear highheels all day are willing to spend more money for quality shoesbecause they want to be comfortable. No woman wants to teeter onshoes that may suddenly fall apart.Frequent BreaksNot all women grow accustomed to the rigors of wearing high heelsall day. For most women, breaks are important for the well-being oftheir feet. For example, women who have to wear heels as a part ofa work uniform might take the shoes off when on break and givetheir feet a little break. In fact, some women because very adeptat sneaking in little breaks for their feet throughout the day.Co-workers may not even realize that these women are curling andstretching their toes under their desk when nobody else is looking.Some women who wear high heels all day make it look effortless, yetthey still put a lot of effort into making sure their feet getperiodic breaks.

Whether your laundry room is just asmallcloset or a big and spacious room, with some smart ideas, youcanmake it more organized and pleasing to the eye. Mostpeopleoverlook decorating and organizing a laundry room, but sinceyouspend considerable time doing laundry, it makes sense to planitproperly. If you make a proper layout design with smart storageforyour laundry room, you will be surprised to see that yourtimespend in doing laundry will be almost reduced to half. Andjustbecause it is a utilitarian space, it does not mean that alaundryroom cannot look stylish and modern. Here are some ways inwhichyou can make your laundry room more appealing and cleaningclothesless time-consuming.Ideas for Organizing a Laundry RoomIf you have very limited space in your laundry room then youneedsome laundry room remodeling ideas. You need to be innovativeandcreative, so that you are able to fit all your essential itemslikewasher, dryer, ironing board and cabinets for storage. Youalso needto ensure that there is sufficient space for hangingclothes.Have a fixed place for every product and equipment that willberequired for cleaning. All products and items that youuseregularly should be kept within easy reach and all those itemsthatare used less frequently can be stored in high shelves.Transfer large boxes of detergents into easy-to-handlesmallplastic containers and refill them when required.If your washing machine is a front loading one you can savespaceby placing the dryer on top of the washer. Alternatively, ifyou arethinking of investing in a new washer and dryer, why notbuy awasher dryer combo.If you do not have room for a table, affix a folding table ononeof the walls. This table can be used for sorting laundry aswell asfor folding clothes.Utilize the space behind the door of your laundry room. Youcanuse it for hanging laundry bags, clothes, hangers and mesh bagsforstoring your dirty laundry.An ironing board is a major requirement in the laundry room.Ifyou do not have the space for an ironing board, you can installapulldown ironing board mounted on one of the walls.One of the best ideas for your laundry room is to have asinkwhere you can hand-wash your delicate clothes likeundergarmentsand sweaters.Install task lighting and accent lighting in the laundry roomsothat the room is well lit and you can do yourlaundryefficiently.Install laundry bags on a rod above the washer. This willhelpyou sort clothes before you put them into the washer. Moreover,itwill also keep the floor of the room uncluttered.Consider placing a stand alone shelving unit in the laundryroom.Place woven baskets with handles in the shelves, so that itisconvenient for family members to carry clean laundry back totheirroom.Laundry Room Decorating IdeasWe do not think of laundry rooms in terms of decorating itandgenerally it remains messy and cluttered. Here are somesimplelaundry room decorating ideas which will brighten up even themostdrabbest of laundry rooms.Liven up a drab laundry room by painting it in a bright,boldcolor like tangerine or hot pink. You can also try wallpaperingitin a bright pattern.Use uniform lighting to illuminate the laundry room. You canalsodress up the windows in your laundry room with brightchintzcurtains.

I am probably light years away from owningmyown house, thanks to the lack of affordable housing, but Ialreadyknow what my bedroom is going to look like. I know exactlywhatwill be placed where, and which type of furniture willtransform abare room into my sanctum. Every individual has his orher ownpreferences, when it comes to bedroom decorating, as this istheroom in which, they are going to spend at least half of theirtimeaway from work and other routines of their life. Your bedroomneedsto reflect the individual you are, and your tastes and choice.Yourselection of furniture probably defines the decor of the room.Wicker furniture will probably mean that you are goingtodecorate your room in a Moroccan or Mediterranean style,whilesleek steel furniture shows that you bend towards minimalisminyour sense of style. Regardless of your interiordecoratingpreferences, there are some pieces of furniture that areintegralto any master bedroom. Here is a lowdown on the furniturethat yourroom will be incomplete without.Furniture for Master BedroomThe furniture needs to be chosen with extreme care, ascomfortand style, both need to be an integral feature of thefurniturethat you have chosen. There are some pieces of furniturethat aresynonymous with bedrooms. In this article, we try to tellyou, thedifferent essential furniture items, and what to keep inmind whilechoosing the furniture.The most obvious thing on the list here. A bedroom without abedis like a candy store without candy. A truly bad example, butonethat drives the truth home. Your selection of a bed determines,asmentioned earlier, the decor of your room. Choose a bed thatiscomfortable for both, you and your partner. At the end of theday,this is the one piece of furniture that needs to make you feelthemost relaxed. It should be inviting and cozy. Decide whatyourpreference is, a low bed, which is almost futon like or a highbedin the Victorian style. While a queen size bed is big enough foramaster bedroom, I would personally advice that, if you havethespace, opt for a king size bed. This will definitely save youfromany future squabbles about space constraints. At the edge ofthebed, you can place a chest as a storage for bed linen. Youcanplace some cushions on it, and transform it into analternateseating area. Decorating the master bedroom is allaboutmanipulating space with a sense of aesthetics and style tomake thearea look beautiful.If you are planning to shop at an Ikea like furniture mart,andopting for one of those furniture sets, then you will probablyhavethe side tables included in your package. A bed side table isamust, since you need something to place that book you readbeforeyou drift off to sleep, your mobile, if you are in the habitofcarrying one, and the bedside lamp. Opt for a minimalisticsidetable, if you are extremely organized, or opt for one thathasdrawers to stuff in all those things that you have clutteringyourbedroom with.Remember Carrie Bradshaw walking into her wardrobe in the SexAndThe City Movie? With enough space to have a spare bedroomfittedinto it, the walk-in wardrobe is every girl's dream. If youaremarried to someone like Mr. Big, then well, you are one luckywoman,but if not, then you will probably have to make do with amuchtinier wardrobe.

Most of us have the impression that nothingcan be done with the space left out inside garage after parking thevehicles. So, we pile up all the broken, rejected items of ourhouse in the garage. Thus, it becomes a neglected part of the housefull of dirt and debris. Though the fact remains you can utilizethat space and covert it into something more than just a storagespace for tools and rubble. Even if the area of your garage is notthat large, you can organize things inside that garage and will besurprised to find that it provides enough room at your disposal.The basic idea behind designing a garage is to organize thingskept inside it to create some extra space and improve the overallvisual appearance of its interiors. Prior to that, you need alittle bit of planning. While doing so, the first thing that youhave to decide is the budget for garage designing. The purpose forwhich you want to use the garage is also important so that you getan idea about the primary requirements of the design. There arethree different aspects which are the indispensable part of agarage. They are as follows:Let us start with some designing ideas for storage. A garageoften has a messy look because most of its spaces are occupied byuseless and unwanted things. To put them in proper order, you needgood storage options. Thus you will get sufficient free spaceinside the garage that can be engaged for some useful activities.Garage cabinets, shelves, hooks, pegs and pegboards are some of theessential items which are needed for this purpose.Fix up some J hooks to hang heavy garden tools like shovels,hoes, brooms and mops. Use a pegboard to put those tools which arerequired for regular use. Small hardware materials like nails andscrews can be kept in jars of different sizes. Shelves have to befixed on the walls to keep these jars and storage bins on them.Cabinets are required to store chemicals and other liquidsubstances as they should be kept in locked condition for safetyreasons. Hanging cabinets are preferable as they do not occupy anyfloor space. Cabinets made of laminated plywood looks very stylishand attractive. However, if you are looking for cheaper option,then you can go for plastic cabinets. The biggest advantages ofthese cabinets is that they do not get damaged by water or rust andcan be cleaned easily.The options for covering floor is quite diverse. Starting frompolyvinyl mats to rubber tiles to epoxy paints. Your choice forflooring should depend on the way you want to utilize the area. Thecheapest flooring option is of course, the use of epoxy paints.Make some beautiful designs with the paint to enhance the look ofthe interiors. However, epoxy makes the floor a bit slippery andhence should be used only if you do not have to walk into thegarage frequently. Polyvinyl floor covering is good because ithides all cracks, holes and other defects. It can also offerprotection from stains, grease and other dirt that are commonenemies of the floor. Rubber floor tiles is a soft floor coveringthat comes in various shapes and sizes and are easy to install.This is an ideal choice if your garage is exposed to high foottraffic as it can be cleaned very easily.

For the perfect look, the most importantaspectthat one must concentrate on, is the eye makeup. After all,it isthe eye that catches attention instantly. And due to thesamereason, makeup needs to be perfect.Makeup for the eyes is done in several steps and using quiteafew products, eyeshadow being one of the most important.Eyeshadowis nothing but a cosmetic which is applied on the eyelidandsometimes under the eyebrows.The reason why eyeshadow is applied is because it adds a kindofdepth to the eyes, giving them a dimension and making themstandout perfectly. In plain words, eyeshadow simply makes the eyeslookgorgeous!There are some many ways that the eyes can be made to lookgreatwith some eyeshadow. Have a look at all the options givenhere, andtake your pick. You're gonna be spoiled for choice!If you are going in for a neutral, not-so-jazzy look, keepitsimple and subtle by using only one shade of eyeshadow. Thislookwould be apt for office or a study institute. Use aneyeshadowprimer or dab on some loose powder to maintain the looktill theend of your day. A single color is perfect for those whoare new toeye makeup, and also for those who do not like toexperiment.If you want a more defined look, use two colors. You canchooseany one color (preferably a light color) and apply that toyoureyelid. The second color (can be a darker shade of the firstcoloror a contrast color) should be applied to the crease of youreye.This gives your crease a more hollow look. You can apply thisin awinged shape to make your eyes look curvy.Using three colors can be a little tricky. Pick your shadesorcontrast colors, well. Also be careful of the shape you wearyoureyeshadow in, as the shape completely changes the overall lookofyour face. The magic of being perfect at using three or morecolorsis, choosing your colors correctly and blending them verywell. Youneed to use a soft dome brush for blending.If you want to play safe or can't figure out what colorwouldmatch your outfit, black and white can be your savior.Together, orindividually, they are neutral colors that go withabsolutelyanything you wear. Black can be used for a deep lookwhich standsout, while white would make more of a bright yet subtleandpeaceful look. If you choose to use both the colors together,thenyou would be creating a smokey effect.Like black and white, blue and green have their ownindividualimportance in the eyeshadow family. Different shades ofthemono-color (blue or green) can be used to match almost allthecolors you wear. Both the colors can be matched with eitherblack,white or both. Otherwise, they can be used with othercontrastcolors too.Talk about color, and rainbow eyeshadow has it all. Itincludesall the seven colors of a rainbow (VIBGYOR). If you don'twant all,you can limit them to three or four colors as well. Theycan beapplied as slim, smudged lines or maybe patches from youreyelidtill your brow line. This look would be perfect for a casualmeetwith friends, or for the beaches.Nowadays, eyeshadow stickers are made available too. Theyworklike magic to get that perfect designed look, without anymanualeffort. You get them in different colors and designs. Forthose whodo not have time for blending and smudging of eyeshadows,this canbe your solution. Just one stick and four seconds - and youaresorted. Neither do you need a makeup artist, nor do you have tobeexceptionally skilled to use these. They are made of drypowder,give a very natural look and are very safe to use.