A Look at Finnish Saunas

Finland is known for its saunas. A Finnish sauna is a room or small hut with temperature over 80 degrees C. When water is poured over the hot furnace stones, a steam cloud fills the sauna taking the temperatures to an even higher level. Sauna bathing in Finland typically lasts between half an hour and two hours. The sauna is often followed by a shower or swim in a lake. In winter, many of the Finnish rub snow on their skin after their sauna. Some beat their skin with birch twigs soaked in warm water to exfoliate and clean.

Using saunas is the most popular leisure activity in Finland. A visit to Finland sans sauna would be incomplete. The Finnish admire saunas for their healing properties. Millions of people in Finland use saunas and on average, each household has one sauna.

Saunas can be used to gather socially and relax with family and friends. In private settings, men and women often share saunas, while single sex saunas are norm in the public places.

In the past, saunas used to be wooden compartments near lakes. Wood was burnt under flat stones and arranged in rows, to produce heat. Steam was generated by pouring cold water on these stones. Usually temperatures in these steam huts ranged between 70 degrees C and 90 degrees C. It could go up to 120 degrees C.

In Finland, there is an annual competition to honor people who can spend the most time in a sauna.

A Brief History Of Leather Couches

Leather couches are a trend of the late-twentieth and early-twenty-first centuries, and serves both comfort and style.

The leather couch in general is an article of furniture providing the space for two or three people and has armrests and sometimes accompanying pillows. Commonly flanked by two end tables and fronted by a coffee table, the couch is the central part of the room in which it is placed, usually the living room or den. Leather couches are typically made from cushions sewn over with sheets of leather or suede, a tougher, courser form of leather.

Many different types of couches exist: divan, chaise lounge, canape’, sofa-bed, and the two-person loveseat. These are distinguished by style as well as purpose, but all are for comfort and style, just like the leather couch.

History of the Leather Couch

Originally the throne of an Arabian ruler during the Age of Antiquity, the couch was essentially found in only the homes of elitists. Leather couches, per se, didn’t exist at that time, but the style and comfort that leather couches would serve as a status symbol was considered at that time as well. The wealthier men in Ancient Roman society used to lounge back on the couches while the women rested in regular chairs.

It wasn’t until the Age of Industrialization in the late nineteenth century that couches were introduced into lower- and middle-class homes. The comfort with which the couch had so long been associated was no longer exclusive to the upper-class. As a matter of fact, a leather couch would be expected in every household; without it, the home would seem empty, incomplete, bland, and even lacking in comfort.

In modern times, the couch is central in family life, such as at TV time and social gatherings or parties. The leather couch itself actually turned into a trend during the 1960s through a preference to leather and leather products, such as clothes, and became the “in” thing. It was as if one wasn’t “with it” unless a leather couch was in that person’s house. With the “funky” furniture styles of the 1970s, such as beanbags and lava lamps, leather couches were almost a necessity. Nowadays, leather couches are common and even popular, both because of style and comfort, not to mention the image one gains by having one.

Leather couches have become an ongoing trend that every home or office naturally acquires. Most doctors’ offices have leather couches now. Society and the fashion world have become obsessed with the look and feel of leather, and almost to the point of neuroticism. They look cool, they feel great, they make one seem sharp and chic, and they’re easy to clean. Leather couches, like all things leather, are here to stay!

A Guide to Vacuum Cleaner Repair

In most areas, there is a person nearby who can fix your broken vacuum cleaner.  Whether they specialize in vacuum cleaner repairs only or if they do repairs on a wide variety of motor driven home appliances, they should be able to easily fix your broken machine.

If you have one of the less pricey models, you might want to consider buying a new one before having someone repair it for you. The hourly fee for labor and the costs of parts may not warrant the repair price, unless of course you simply have to have the vacuum cleaner that you’ve grown accustomed to for a long time. An honest repair service will tell you that upon examination, which is usually free unless the problem is not easily diagnosed on the surface.

In most situations, when you find a repair shop and bring in your broken vacuum cleaner, they’ll ask you a few simple questions. Obviously, if you knew what was wrong, you’d fix it yourself. All most people know when they bring in their broken machine is that it’s broken. The repair shop will ask you what was happening when it stopped. He’ll ask how old it is and a few other pertinent questions so he can make a quick evaluation of the problem. Then he’ll give a quick examination to the obvious moving parts and if he sees something, he’ll be able to tell you immediately what’s going on and what it will take to fix it.

If he can’t diagnose the problem quickly, you’ll have to leave the unit in the shop, pay a small fee for him to determine the nature of the problem and discuss the matter over the phone before he makes the repairs. You can then decide if you want to go for the cost of repairing your vacuum cleaner or if you’d rather junk the old one and buy a new one.

Are you Serious about Customer Service

Is your online company really serious about Internet customer service? When it comes down to it, excellent customer service is pretty much the only way you will convert visitors to customers. You can also increase your ROI and improve online sales with excellent customer service.

If you are truly serious about offering quality customer service, your best option would be customer service software. With customer service software you can reduce customer service costs and increase your conversion rate at the same time. All the while, you will be making your customers happier, which will lead to more sales and an increase in ROI.

Customer service software helps small businesses and large businesses alike by offering customer service messenger, support messenger and support messenger. These offer 24/7 customer service to customers and potential customers. They can also allow you track customers online and track consumer behavior online as well.

Customer service software can offer live chat help and/ore animated avatar help, animated avatar service, animated avatar support and animated avatar guide. Many people prefer the avatar because it makes them feel more like they are talking to an actual person.

Serious quality customer service means a serious customer service solution. Consider customer service software for your online business if you would like to convert visitors to buyers and improve your ROI.

All About Air Conditioner Rentals

An air conditioner is a requirement in households, factories as well as events, functions etc. However, you cannot expect the person to install a new air conditioner for a one-day event. Even if you want to install an air conditioner at your place during the summer months and do not want to make such a big investment, then air conditioner rentals are the best thing for you.

These are companies, which provide air conditioners on rent for a short term or a long-term basis. There are two types of Air conditioners that you can rent. The window Air conditioner is the more common variety used widely across the world and you also have a portable air conditioner, which can be moved, according to your preference.

Window Air Conditioner
The window air conditioner is the type, which is installed on your window. These are excellent for household usage or for small offices etc. You can easily get an air conditioner on rent at discounted prices during the hot summer months. However, it is better if you book the sir conditioner early during summer, because the demand increases.

When you contact an air conditioner rentals company, a representative will visit your place and inspect the room where the Air conditioner needs to be installed. He/she will then suggest what tonnage will be required for your room. The rent often differs according to the tonnage. Then you need to fill up the form and the company representatives will come with a carpenter, install the frame then the Air conditioner and finally will seal all the gaps (if any) between the air conditioner and the frame.

Portable Air conditioner
Used more in big warehouses and factories where a single central cooling unit is not sufficient. They are also used for specific spot cooling. Portable air conditioners can be rented according to their tonnage. They range from 2.5 to 30 tones. They can be used and then moved on their wheeled casters. If you rent this one for a house, you can use and then move it to a different room if needed.

Air Purifier - Help Or Hype

The world has become health crazy.  There is no getting around it, we are turning towards healthier whole grain cereals and breads, we're exercising more, and we're cleaning our homes like fanatical lunatics.  Included in this cleaning craze is the obsession with cleaning our air.  We've got air purifiers in just about every room.  This leads to just one question. 

Does it do any good?

To begin with, getting an air purifier for your home can be confusing as anything.  With all the different brands to choose from and different types of air purification systems it's almost impossible to know which one is any good, if any of them are. 

Then of course there is the burning question, "Do we really need an air purifier anyway?". Is the air in our homes really that bad?  Haven't we been breathing this same air long before there ever were air purification systems?  What's changed?

All of these questions are enough to give us a headache if not outright drive us crazy.  Well, let's deal with one question that we at last can answer. 

While it is true that we have been breathing the same air for thousands of years, we really haven't.  With the industrial revolution and all the garbage that is sent into our air from factories, the truth is, the air is not as clean as it used to be.  All you have to do is take a drive down to the factory district in Trenton, NJ and take a whiff.  There will be no doubt in your mind that the air down there is dirty. 

But the problem goes much deeper than that.  If you're wondering why scientists are so concerned about plants it is because they give off the one thing we need to breathe, oxygen.  They take in carbon dioxide to do this.  So if the plants die, we die.  It's that simple.  The plants are actually are a true air purification system.  Still, people feel they need electronic air purification systems.  Why? How do they work and what good are they if any at all?

Actually, there are many types of systems and each one works differently.  We're not going to go into detail of how each one works as that could take a book in itself.  But the main types of systems are HEPA Filter Systems, which draw the air through the filter and clean it; Ozone Air Purifiers, which work by generating more ozone molecules in the air; Ionic Air Cleaners, which work by negatively charging the air particles in the room; Electrostatic Precipitators, which work by using positive and negative charges to collect particles and Electrostatic Filters which work by creating a static charge which attracts and collects particles in the air. 

Supposedly, these various technologies produce the end result of cleaning your air.  Do they?  Well, there are tests you can run to determine if the amount of allergens in your home have been reduced but ultimately it is all going to come down to one thing. 

Do you feel better?  Does the air smell cleaner?  Do you notice a difference?

Air purifiers.  Help or hype?

We may never really know.

A Key Element In Solar Panels - Efficiency

While solar energy is most often associated with the production of electricity, heating is also a major platform. While heating isn’t particularly difficult, efficiency in doing so is the key to saving wear and tear on your system.

A Key Element In Solar Panels - Efficiency

The sun produces a ton of energy, but solar panel systems have historically been very inefficient at converting it. With improving technology, efficiency has improved to the point where most panel systems can easily produce enough energy to heat water for the home and pools. There are efficient and inefficient ways to go about this process.

To save wear and tear on your panels, you need to consider a flow control system. Older panel systems tend to take a long time to heat up fluid because water more or less randomly circulates through the system. This is very inefficient because the panels are forced to heat up a much larger pool of water than you actually need. This results in wear and tear, not to mention lengthy waits for hot water.

A control flow system attacks the efficiency problem by reducing the amount of water that must be heated. Most are designed to work on temperature differential strategies. They work by using two sensors. The first is located close the panels being used to heat the water or liquid substitute. The second is located on or close to the liquid return valve into the panel system. Put in practical terms, one sensor measures the temperature of liquid set to leave the panel while the other measures the temperature of liquid coming into the panel.

Flow systems work by waiting for the liquid to rise to a temperature determined by you. Once the liquid meets the temperature, the system turns on the circulation pump and moves the liquid to the desired location. Once the return valve sensor notes the temperature of the returning water is within a particular range of the liquid in the panel system, the pump is shut off. This process allows for faster heating times, more efficiency and less wasted energy.

Solar solutions are coming to the front of the energy debate for many residential energy needs. Countries like Germany are making huge investments in solar platforms and technologies. Solar can be a cost-effective solution for you as well. Just keep in mind that flow systems are a must if you are pursuing solar water heating.

A Guide to Antique Sewing Machines

Sewing machines have been mass-produced worldwide for more than two-hundred years. Early models featured unique designs to add beauty and appeal to buyers. The wide variety of styles and manufacturers make antique sewing machines a favorite collectible. Because of the quality workmanship and heavy materials of the early machines many of the antique sewing machines are still working models.

The antique sewing machines will typically be made of cast iron and feature the patent information in a visible location. The machines may have a hand crank or a treadle, which was a flat pedal for both feet to provide the motion for the sewing mechanism. The treadle machines would be mounted onto their own table or cabinet, while many other machines would be in a carrying case and the machine would be placed on the kitchen table.

Miniature, antique sewing machines are some of the most desirable, as they are smaller working models that served as salesmen’s samples, used while traveling or for mending. These small machines doubled as children's sewing machines specifically for use by young girls, since they were expected to learn how to sew. Machines that were intended to be marketed as a child's machine were often painted in a different color or have floral motifs painted onto the body of the machine.

Over the past two centuries many sewing machine companies were successful for a time before closing operations, making for the wide variety of machines to be found. Many companies were not able to survive having their manufacturing facilities converted for wartime use, but also lost to post-war Japan's ability to produce cheap products.

Singer is the first sewing machine company and continues to have antique sewing machines that are the most recognizable and most popular with collectors. The Singer Featherweight model #221, referred to as the Perfect Portable, continues to be a favorite of quilters.

Alternative Cooling

My favorite alternative cooling device is a gin and tonic. It’s portable, easy to operate and provides instant on-demand refreshment.

Is there such a thing as a Tanqueray energy tax credit?

Although you can install solar panels, a wind turbine or micro hydro to generate the electricity to run an air conditioner, the only true whole house alternative cooling method is a geothermal ground source pump.

The cost of this type of system can be recouped in as little as two years on a new house installation, but the initial capital outlay is more than most homeowners can afford.

Let’s say you re-mortgage your house for $20,000 and you have a choice between a new kitchen and a geothermal heat pump; how many new heat pumps have your neighbors been showing off lately?

Less expensive options to consider:

Weatherization
The only people who haven’t learned the value of caulking, weather stripping and insulating yet are living in caves or tents.

Fans
Ceiling, paddle, and portable fans produce air motion across your skin that increases evaporative cooling. A moderate breeze of one to two miles an hour can extend your comfort range by several degrees.

Whole House Fans and Evaporative (Swamp) Coolers
These devices can reduce your air conditioning costs by 50% or more but are only effective if you live in a dry climate (less than 40%humidity).

White Roofing
Elastomeric roof coatings reflect 90% of the sun's rays and will reduce the indoor temperature by 7 degrees according the independent research laboratory MER Corporation. These coatings are for flat roofs and cost around .50 per square foot to apply.

Radiant Barriers
These shiny, reflective barriers keep excess heat out of your attic in the summer or keeping your floors warm in the winter. Stapled under the rafters or joists, it reflects 97 of the radiant heat that strikes it. The non-profit Florida Solar Energy Center has shown that an attic radiant barrier can reduce air conditioning costs by at least 20%.

Air Conditioners
Clean the filter once a month. Turn off your A/C when you leave for more than an hour. It saves money. Draw the shades while you’re at work. Close off unused rooms or, if you have central A/C, close the registers in those rooms and shut the doors.

Set your A/C thermostat at 78°F—or higher if you have ceiling fans. For each degree you raise the thermostat, you'll save 3%-5% on cooling costs.

If you want to make a fortune in alternative cooling, invent an air conditioner that runs on corn.

Aluminum Cushion Patio Furniture

Choosing patio furniture can be a difficult decision with so many options. There is one option that is comfortable as well as beautiful to accent any patio, and that is aluminum cushion patio furniture.

Aluminum cushion patio furniture is the most comfortable patio furniture . Plush cushions and soft upholstered fabrics make sitting in a chaise lounge a very relaxing experience. The fabric chosen for upholstery can be suited to match any type of décor.

Aluminum cushion patio furniture is also a great choice for durability. The aluminum hardware is treated to be weather resistant, and is also designed with comfort in mind. Cushions also are treated to be mold and mildew resistant so they can survive the elements when left outside.          

Aluminum cushion patio furniture has some unique design elements to offer as well. Instead of a set of simple chairs, aluminum cushion patio chairs can be swivel chairs or rocking chairs that allow for maximum mobility as well as comfort. An aluminum serving cart can also be ordered to compliment any aluminum cushion patio furniture set.

Aluminum cushion patio furniture is a great choice for commercial or residential use. It is a great idea when you want you gets to have the maximum comfort patio furniture can provide when sitting outdoors or poolside. It is more decorative than traditional aluminum patio furniture, so you know your guests will appreciate that.

Air Cleaner Buying Tips

As we all know breathing in clean, pure air is important for our health. So you should get a good quality air cleaner installed in your office or home. The market is flooded with hosts of air cleaning products. These products use a lot of acronyms that can leave any average user bewildered. I would like to your answer some of your questions on understanding these acronyms to assist you in purchasing the right product for your use.

What is HEPA?
High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters were originated during the Second World War. They were designed to prevent the radioactive particles from entering the human respiratory system. Today, they are the best air cleaners in the market with their filtration rate slightly below 100%. They can remove all particles of size 0.3 microns.

Who is OEM?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is the manufacturer who not only sells you the product but also provides the spare parts when the parts in the product deteriorate. You might get generic parts in the market, which can be cheaper. But the quality cannot be guaranteed. When you purchase the product from the OEM, you are assured a good quality not only on the product but also on the spares that you buy. Besides, OEM also takes the responsibility for maintaining the air cleaners. This ensures you get a good quality service for your air cleaners.

What is MERV?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) denotes the efficiency of the filter. It is the ability of the filter to remove the particles. The value lies in the range of 12 to 16. A low value tells you that the filter is inefficient at removing the particles. Values of 12 to 16 denote that the filter is highly efficient in removing more particles. This is the standard used by all the air cleaner manufacturers. This makes comparison among different products very easy.

What is CADR?
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is the amount of filtered air that is free from three major pollutants viz. dust, pollen and cigarette smoke. Higher number indicates higher rate of filtration and thus an efficient filter. Ideally, buy an air cleaner whose CADR is around two third of the area of the room whose air you want to filter. These numbers are marked on the box, but they indicate the performance when you use the parts supplied by OEM and not by the generic manufacturers.

Air Purification

Wherever you go today, you will face a constant attack of pollution; not only from air, but also from water and noise. There are almost as many types of air pollution as there are potential solutions. No matter what type of air purification system you're looking for, you should know that there is not one product on the market today that can solve every problem.

In order to find out which type of air purification solution is the most suitable for you. It is therefore necessary for you to understand all these five typed of air pollution first.

1. Radon Gas Pollution: Radon is a completely odorless, tasteless and colorless gas, and is the heaviest of all known gasses. It is caused by the radioactive breakdown of uranium inside the earth. When radon is cooled below freezing, it turns a brilliant phosphorescent shade of yellow, which turns orange-red as it gets colder. Radon is also the second leading cause of lung cancer. Smoking exacerbates the affects of radon. Radon is found all around us, in our homes, our yards and the world around us.

Recommended Solution: The best solution to this form of pollution is to first of all test your home (a simple test is available at most hardware stores) and then to seal all cracks and openings in your home's foundation. If the problem merits it, you may need to have a certified contractor install a ventilation system inside your home.

2. Chemical Fumes and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). This type of pollution comes from chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde, the chemical fumes that are constantly seeping from carpets, upholstery, furniture, draperies, household cleaning products, beauty products such as nail polish, removers, etc. They also come from cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke, building construction, etc. Many of these chemicals have been identified as carcinogens.

Recommended Solution: Currently the best solution on the market for this type of pollution are products that produce catalytic oxidation.

3. Microbial Causing Pollution. Microbials are microscopic bacteria, fungi, mycotoxins created by a fungus, mildew, mold spores and viruses. They can be as small as .001 microns. Microbials love to live in warm, damp places, or under your carpet, in your walls and in heating and air conditioning ducts.

Recommended Solution: Currently the best solutions on the market for this type of pollution are those that produce oxidation, which kills microbials.

4. Odor Causing Pollution. Odor comes from many different places - food, animals, human bodies, cigarettes, cigars and pipe smoke, sports shoes, clothing and equipment, etc. Although not necessarily dangerous, if you've ever walked into your teenage son's room after he's come back from a football game and taken a deep breath - you know it can be very unpleasant!

Recommended Solution: Currently, the best solutions on the market for this type of pollution are odor sponges, ozone and oxidation.

5. Particulate Causing Pollution. Particulates are those little floating things you see when the sun comes shining in through your windows, and include dust, dust mites, dust mite feces, pet dander, skin flakes (what dust mites eat), pollen, smoke particles and allergens.

Recommended Solution: Currently the best solutions on the market for this type of pollution are infiltration and negative ions.

With this basic understanding about pollution you are now ready to make that all important decision about which system is going to be best for you. The choice is yours!

About Clean Air And Air Conditioners

When it’s scorching hot outside, air conditioners can really work wonders in keeping you cool! You need not be surprised if you find people darting through the street merely to rush into an air-conditioned room. But remember, that cooling yourself is not the last thing; staying healthy and fresh is what should be uppermost in your mind. This is exactly what a good air conditioner should do for you, because apart from cooling the room, an air conditioner also filters the air flowing into it. A quality air conditioning machine has a proper set up which thoroughly filters the outside air and allows only the clean air to enter.

What you need, is an air conditioner that comes with an inbuilt air filter. The air conditioners available in the market are not quite capable of draining out everything harmful for you. So if you are really concerned that a regular inhaling of dust, fumes and smoke can affect your health in the long run, you should go for a high quality air conditioner, which has a proper air cleaner in it.

This type of air conditioning machine in your home or office becomes all the more useful if you or any one in your family happen to suffer from allergies or chronic breathing problems. Having a good air conditioner is not enough, so remember to let your doors and windows open from time to time and purge the impure air out of your room. Your house keeping style should also be taken care of.

To make sure that your air conditioner lasts long and your air filtration set up functions properly, you will have to pay a regular attention to the maintenance of your machine. Don’t defer your maintenance job until your machine finally stops working, or the inside air stops being so pure as it used to be. In fact, experts in this field will suggest you to change your filter every month to ensure the best functioning. But alas! Some people do not bother to budge for even years!

Make it a point to clean and change the filter regularly. This way your air conditioner will drain out the bad air and allow only the clean and filtered air to flow in. So if you want clean air to flow through your home, your only option is to maintain your conditioner regularly. A filter, which is poorly maintained, is unable to clean air properly and decreases the cooling capacity of the machine. On top of that, it uses up more energy, and ultimately leads to a shorter longevity of the air conditioner.

A Hardwood Floor For Your Home

Perhaps it's time for a remodel and updating of your home. How about a remodel that will transform your home, add lasting value, beauty and elegance, and be something you will be proud of? Think about hardwood flooring.

Generally hardwood floors come pre finished, this is when the manufacturer applies a finish at the factory. This finish is generally at least four coats of ultraviolet cured urethane resin. Hardwood floors are generally easy to clean with a simple sweep of a dust mop or vacuuming. You will need to protect your hardwood floors from scratches as much as possible. Putting protective rugs under your furniture is an excellent way to prevent scratches on the floor. Hardwood floors are meant to last a lifetime.

You will want to choose a color of hardwood floor that will accent your home and home furnishings. As a rule lighter colors go with country, contemporary and casual settings. Darker colored wood floors are for formal or traditional interiors. But, of course, anything goes! Your decision should be based on your visual preference.

Lighter wood would be a white ash, sugar maple or southern yellow pine. Darker colors are beech, birch, red oak, heart pine and mesquite.

You want to make sure that your hardwood floor will be able to withstand denting and wear. Of the woods mentioned above mesquite is the hardest wood, and a southern yellow pine would be the softest. In the middle of these fall the yellow birch, heart pine and beech.

If you are going to be hiring and contractor to install your hardwood floor make sure you ask for references. Go take a look at a floor that he has installed. Make sure that he is comfortable working with the type of word floor that you want installed.

Make sure that you thoroughly inspect the hardwood floor after the installation. Look at the floor from a standing position and with normal lighting. The finish on your floor will not be that you would find on fine furniture. Deep swirls or sander marks or splotchy areas may mean that the floor wasn't finished properly. There will however be some irregularities on any wood floor. However, these irregularities won't seem obvious and will only add to the character of the floor.

A Good Bedroom Closet Design Will Eliminate the Need For Space

You can transform a bedroom closet design quickly, easily, and inexpensively by installing a modular closet system. There are many competing storage systems and products, so take a look at several systems before deciding.

There are two main types of do-it-yourself systems; those made of ventilation coated-wire components, and those made of solid particleboard components with a high pressure-plastic laminate.

Mixing solid-wood components with wire shelves and rod makes sense some cases, for instance…there are some items they want to look at and other they would like to store.
If you plan a system carefully, you can double the amount of storage area available.

It’s a good idea to have a few hooks but not too many or your closet will look messy. Slide-out drawers may not be worth the cost; simple and cheap shelving usually work just as well.

In addition to the usual bedroom closet design, think about under-the-bed storage, as well as under the eaves if you have attic space. But also think about smaller pieces like file cabinets, and freestanding storage.

A combination of drawers and cupboards, and open shelves with doors offers the most flexibility. In most cases the easiest way to plan is to start with a shelf or drawer unit somewhere in the middle. It often helps to divide a large closet in half or in thirds to make it easier to find things.

Antique Furniture Basics

Antiques may be of many different kinds and of all the antique collectibles and furniture happens to be the most popular and practical choice. Antique furniture is distinct from other categories of antiques in the sense that no one collects the same type of object repeatedly. It means that you would not want to buy and collect only tables or chests and fill up your home with everything the same. However, you may have a specific liking to certain wood or style.

Regardless of your preference, if you are planning to purchase antique furniture, you need to know the basics. In other words, you should have some idea about various styles, techniques of construction, finishes and variety of woods used. You will need this knowledge to determine if a particular piece is original (in its original state without any major changes) or altered (if some major alterations or additions have been made to it.)

Once you are acquainted with the basics, go to as many antique furniture dealers and auctions as you possibly can. When inspecting the merchandise, don’t hesitate in pulling out drawers, getting down on your knees to look at the underside of tabletops or lifting chairs to have a look at their legs. If you don’t get down and dirty, you will never learn.

In the beginning, furniture was crafted from solid wood but with improvement in cabinet making techniques, furniture decoration by applying veneers (thin sheets of wood) was developed. This provided an inexpensive method of creating decorative effects from different grains and patterns. It was also an economical technique that made inexpensive woods look like expensive hard woods. Such furniture had a solid body called a carcass that is made of a different, generally less expensive wood, like pine. Some of the woods used in antique furniture are beech, cherry, chestnut, ebony, elm, mahogany, pine, oak, satinwood, walnut etc.

The following features are significant when determining the age, authenticity, quality and worth or price of antique furniture:

I> Color and Patina: Patina is the glow of the wood after years of accumulation of wax polish and dirt. A rich subtle color is also an important characteristic of antique furniture.

II> Proportion: A disproportionate piece of furniture may well be a “marriage” of different parts from different furniture.

III> Construction: Before the late 17th century, furniture was made using mortise and tendon joints and pegs were handmade.

IV> Condition: Do not ignore pieces with marks or blemishes as the wood has not been damaged. A good restorer can undo surface spots. Antique Furniture in it original pristine condition is worth the highest price.

V> Alterations: Altered furniture is always less desirable than the original piece. Telltale alterations include large pieces reduced in size, freshly cut surfaces, plugged holes, repositioned handles etc.

Now that you know what to look for, the question is where to look for antique furniture?

Well, apart from auctions and dealers, you can always check the classifieds section in the paper to see if anybody’s selling furniture and go check it out. You might even find a good bargain this way. Also, you will find many sites that sell antique furniture on the internet or you could use the internet to find out where you could go to get good deals on antique furniture.

Are Sun Rooms Safe?

Most Americans prefer having a roof deck in their homes just so they can have their private tanning sessions. Others opt for sun rooms or solariums to get that sought-after tan.

The concept of a solarium or sun room has changed over the years, from the rooftop solarium of a house as it is known in Rome to the castle roof solarium as it was known during the medieval period. During the olden times, solariums were typically located at the upper floor of the house, usually with large windows surrounding the room to welcome sunlight.

Solariums were not really made for tanning then, because medieval women used the solariums as their nook where they spend hours gossiping and exchanging pleasantries.

During the modern times, the sun rooms became more extravagant and elegant. Today, sun rooms are built surrounded by window glasses. Some sun rooms are even built with walls made of glass. Sun rooms today are also used by the family members as a relaxation area where they can entertain visitors or host parties. Today, sun rooms are also built to serve as greenhouses where exotic plants are kept and grown.

The concept of using sun rooms as tanning rooms is relatively new but it has attracted homeowners who find the idea practical. Instead of going to tanning shops or spas, there are home owners who buy use the sun rooms for personal tanning sessions.

Solariums or sun rooms are more popular during summer when the whole household can avail of in-house tanning services.  Some get their own portable beds and stay in their sun rooms the rest of the day.

Having your own sub room can be practical and cost effective. It can save you time and money in going to tanning salons. However, people who use sun rooms for tanning purposes should be aware of the dangers of too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Even if you are just in you sun room, you have to make sure you are protected by wide-brimmed hats. To be more practical about it, use sun protecting creams or sunscreens with higher protection level. The common belief is that a person does not need sunscreen if he is jus tin the confines of his home. Of course, a sun room is just within your home but you are getting more sun exposure there so you have to protect your skin and your eyes.

You can enjoy your sun rooms but do not endanger your health by enjoying your sun rooms without proper protection.

Are Kitchen Remodeling Books Worth Buying?

Each year, thousands, if not millions, of Americans make the decision to remodel their kitchens. Kitchen remodeling can include something as simple as replacing your kitchen sink, but it can also include something extravagant, such as changing around your whole kitchen, from the lights all the way down to your flooring. As nice as it is to have your kitchen remodeled, it can get fairly expensive. That is why a large number of homeowners make the decision to do their own remodeling.  When doing so, many turn to kitchen remodeling books for assistance, but are they really worth the money?

Before you can begin to determine whether or not kitchen remodeling books are really worth the money, it is important to examine exactly what they are. Kitchen remodeling books, also commonly referred to as kitchen remodeling how-to guides, are books that are designed to help readers know as much as they can about remodeling their kitchens.  It is not uncommon for a kitchen remodeling book to be filled with directions, including step-by-step pictures, lists of materials needed, as well as safety tips.  Kitchen remodeling books also come in a number of different formats. It is not uncommon to find a kitchen remodeling book that focuses on a number of kitchen remodeling projects or a book that just focuses on one project.

Now that you know what kitchen remodeling books or kitchen remodeling how-to guides are, you can begin to examine whether or not they are really worth the money.  Perhaps, the easiest way to do this is to determine what you need to learn how to do.  For instance, if you would only like to remodel your kitchen by replacing your kitchen countertops, it may be worthless to purchase a big kitchen remodeling book, one that focuses on a number of different remodeling projects. Your money may be better spent purchasing a kitchen remodeling book that has a specific focus on kitchen countertop installations.  When installing your new counters, or just about anything else for that matter, you will often find that there is more than one way to do something.  A detailed kitchen remodeling book, one that focuses on one project in particular, may help to give you more options.

When determining whether or not kitchen remodeling books are worth the money, it is also important to focus on what can be found inside them.  Many times, you will find that most kitchen remodeling books come with written directions, as well as step-by-step pictures. Although step-by-step pictures are nice, not all books have them.  If you need to see pictures of what you are doing, you will not want to waste your money on a kitchen remodeling how-to guide that does not include pictures.  Also if you are looking for directions on how to do a certain project, such as replacing your sink, you will want to make sure that the book you are about to purchase has exactly what you need. Unfortunately, too many homeowners mistakenly believe that a kitchen remodeling book has exactly what they need inside of it. That is why it is important that you know what you are buying.

The cost of a kitchen remodeling book will also have an impact on whether or not it is worth it.  Depending on where you shop, you should be able to find a collection of low-cost and affordable kitchen how-to guides. Kitchen remodeling how-to guides can be purchased online, from most book stores and home improvement stores.  You can easily find kitchen remodeling books that sell for as low as ten dollars and some that sell for as high as fifty.  What is nice about purchasing kitchen remodeling books is that you can decide what you want to buy, as well as how much you are willing to pay for it.

Since there are a number of advantages and disadvantages to using kitchen remodeling books, you will need to make your own decision.  If you have little or no kitchen remodeling experience, you may find that a kitchen remodeling how-to guide is more than worth the money.

All you need to know about Whirlpool and Spa baths

WHIRLPOOLS AND AIRSPAS (Jacuzzi and Airbath):

There are two type of hydro massage bathing systems:
1. Whirlpools, more commonly known by the brand name Jacuzzi.
2. Airspas, more commonly known by the brand name Airbath.
Whirlpools are characterised by having jets on the side of the bath about half way up and a suction point (similar to a colander) in one of the bottom corners. This type of system produces hydro-massage by sucking water from the bath and pumping it out of the jets on the side under pressure. To increase the pressure of the jets most whirlpools have a control on the top of the bath which allows air to be sucked in to the jet of water.
The main difference between a whirlpool and a Jacuzzi is that the size of the jets is bigger on the Jacuzzi and the air and water mix is different. This difference produces a more powerful jet of water with the Jacuzzi (whether this amount of power is necessary with a standard domestic sized bath is a matter of opinion).
The difficulty with all whirlpools is that they hold a small amount of water in the jets and pipe work when emptied. Depending on who fits the system this amount can vary between an egg cup full and several pints.
The second difficulty with some whirlpools is that not all baths are designed to have them fitted. This can result in the jets being sited very high up the sides of the bath, with the effect that when you lay in the bath the jets of water do not hit you but spray over the top of you and only agitate the top one inch of water. This will result in a longer bathing period required to achieve the hydro-massage effect.
Baths where the jet positions are moulded into the side allows the jets to sit lower and so intensify the massage. With this type of system it is not advisable that small children or older people are left unattended whilst in the bath.
The third difficulty with whirlpools of all types is that they do not have the ability to maintain the water temperature. The result of this is that the average length of time a bath stays warm is approximately 30 minutes. That is unless you add more hot water. Dependant on the type of whirlpool system you choose it may take between 10 minutes and 25 minutes to achieve the hydro-massage effect on the body.
Airspas are characterised by having a series of jets or holes fitted/drilled into the base of the bath. They produce air through the jets under pressure to fill the bath with bubbling water. This agitation of the water is what causes the hydro-massage effect. The difficulty of this type of system is that it has a tendency to cool the water in the bath. It is possible to with this type of system to have any level of water in the bath whilst the system is in use and so makes it ideal for children and older people. However due to the reduced pressure of the air jets over the whirlpool jets it can take longer to produce the hydro-massage effect. The Airbath system has a device called a Warm Air Injection which allows a small amount of hot water to heat the air stream as the air is pumped through the jets. The result of this is that Airbath claim that the system will
maintain the bath water temperature. This then allows a person to stay in the bath for longer and so gain the full benefit of the hydro-massage.

One difficulty experienced by all massage baths to a greater or lesser extent is that of hygiene. There is a commonly held belief that this type of system is unhygienic.
This is both true and untrue! I will explain. All massage systems require cleaning from time to time. Because of the design some systems may need to be cleaned every 3 months. All good manufacturers will supply a cleaner designed for their type of system and advice on how to use it. The main problem is that people do not follow the cleaning regime and as such problems then ensue. The system is as hygienic as the user. You would never dream of not cleaning the toilet or basin so why assume that the massage bath has the ability to clean itself.



STEAM AND SAUNAS (Turkish and Swedish):

Turkish steam sauna's and Swedish dry heat sauna's are both types of hydro-massage system. The difference is in the way they achieve the effect.
Swedish dry saunas use dry air to heat the body to high temperatures causing you to perspire heavily. They are supplied in the form of a wooden box inside of which is sited an oven upon which sit hot coals. These coals produce more heat when a small amount of water is splashed on them and the humidity increases. As people we can stand quite high temperatures of dry heat but only relatively smaller amounts of heat in high humidity. The average temperature within a Swedish sauna can be over 100 degrees.
Turkish steam saunas produce steam in large amounts to cause the hydro-massage effect and, like the Swedish type, also make you perspire heavily. This is wet heat and as such achieves the desired effect at much lower temperatures. This can be as little as 40 degrees and is seldom higher than 50 degrees. The main difference between the two systems is that the steam system appears to be less of an irritant to the breathing and as such is better in general for those suffering from respiratory conditions where a moist atmosphere is beneficial. You may have experienced this as a child if, when suffering from a cold, you were told to put your head over a bowl of steaming water and than had a towel placed over you.

HYDRO-MASSAGE EFFECT:

The Hydro-massage effect has never been proved to be a scientific fact. This effect cannot make the blind see, the lame walk, cure aids or prevent cancer. It is claimed by many however to provide relief from the effects of many debilitating conditions.
The Hydro-massage effect is the action of the heat and or movement of the water on the body. The result of this is two fold. The first is that it causes the muscles around the arteries and heart to relax. This in turn allows the heart to pump more blood with each beat, without pumping any harder. The result of this is increased and improved circulation. Improved circulation is of benefit in many conditions. It reduces inflammation around the joint of those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism and allows for the removal of stress causing toxins from the blood stream by improving kidney function.
The second effect is that when fully relaxed the body produces its own chemical relaxants such as noradrenalin. These natural relaxants have none of the side effects of the manufactured kind and enable you to totally chill out.

All About Blinds For Your Windows

Window blinds are essential for anyone who wants to safeguard their privacy, at home or in the office. While it is true that some people prefer to use curtains, window blinds have the advantage in that you get to control the amount of light that comes in. One reason for the choice of curtains over blinds is the ease of installation. Some types of window blinds are, in fact, a bit more difficult to install … but this alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Blinds can add a touch of the exotic, or the elegant, to any room.

There are some factors to consider when figuring out what type of blinds to buy.

The first factor is the style of the window blinds. The most popular are the Venetian blinds, which have horizontal sections made of wood or metal. These panels can range in width from 16 to 50 mm. There are, of course, many different types of window blinds. Here are a few of the more well-known varieties.

In contrast to Venetian blinds, vertical blinds are aptly named since they have vertical panels. These sections can be completely separated if you want to have the look of natural sunlight. Vertical window blinds are not confined to wood and metal, but can be made of many different fabrics.

Roller shades typically consist of a complete sheet of treated material, such as vinyl. These blinds roll up or down and can completely block sunlight. If you can’t visualize this, think of those old Tom and Jerry cartoons. You know, the ones where Tom gets wrapped up in the window blinds? Those are roller shades.

Honeycomb shades look like, well, honeycombs. The effect is generated through layering opaque fabric. A special quality of these window blinds is that their layering allows them to insulate the room by not letting heat or cold in.

Finally, there are the decorative wood woven shades. These blinds are usually made from interwoven bamboo and don’t have an actual adjustment. They are best used in situations where you would like your blinds to block direct sunlight from coming in, but you would still like to have a little natural light.

When hanging your window blinds, you need to remember to leave enough space so that they can hang freely when extended. The great thing about modernization is that you don’t actually need to hang your blinds yourself. Many of the home furnishing stores will install the window blinds for you, sometimes at a very low cost. If you’re not sure that you can install your window blinds yourself, the best thing is to hire a professional.

Air Purifier: Breathe Fresh Air

Air purifier, as the name suggests, cleans the air, which we breathe in. We all are aware of the ever-increasing amount of pollution around us and its adverse affects our health. An air purifier reduces the amount of dirt and germs in the air around us and gives us better quality of life.

Functioning of an Air Purifier
The air may contain various substances that cause irritation to your internal or external organs. The examples of ailments caused by impure air are: asthma, bronchitis, and irritation in eyes, nose or skin. The main job of the air purifier is to remove all the harmful and allergy-causing substances from the air. These are present in the air in the form of dust particles, unsafe smoke from vehicles or other sources and pollen from plants etc.

Kinds of Air purifiers
Different air purifiers use different systems for air purification. They may use either charcoal absorbents or mechanical filters. The other variants include electronic purifier and Ultra Violet Air Purifier. Ionic Filtration is yet another technique but its use is controversial, as some people believe that it emits negative ions. Buy the air purifier that has HEPA filters, as the concerned authorities certify these filters.

Be Sure, Before You Procure
While purchasing an air purifier, you must consider whether your problem actually requires an air purifier. If the answer is yes, then you can study various features of each model and choose the one which best suits your needs. Do not go for a very cheap model as they tend be very less effective. To compare the efficiency of different models, you can look for its CADR or Clean Air Delivery Rating.

Besides purifying the air around us, electronic air purifiers are easy to install and do not involve complex wiring. They take up less power and hence marginal electric charges. There running noise is also negligible.

The only clear disadvantage of an air purifier is its high cost. However, just like other consumer durables, its prices are likely to fall, as the demand rises. Another shortcoming is that its collection plates in an electronic air purifier need regular cleaning.

Besides household use, many industries, where hygiene is important, also use air purifiers. Try using it and see the difference for yourself. The industrial and household demand for air purifier is rising significantly. Go for an air purifier and enjoy clean air.

All About Bamboo Floors

Bamboo is a type of grass. Being so, you might think that it is as soft and brittle as the typical grass species we know and can no way be used as building material. However, bamboo has proven itself very resilient and flexible, making it the material of choice for many structure builders.

 The cost of bamboo flooring averages at between $2 and $4 for every square foot, which is just about the same price as oak. This is a fair price considering the many benefits it offers.

 Installing bamboo flooring does not require any special and specific technique. In fact, there are several ways you can lay them on: You can float them, nail them down, or glue them on. Bamboo is also easier to get than oak because it only takes around 3 years for it to mature, as opposed to oak which can take up to a hundred years to be fully mature.

 It is important to note that that bamboo is not a wood -- it's a grass, so we cannot call it hardwood. However, it can last as long as the standard hardwoods we have around, so that's probably why most people mistake it as such.

 To make a flat, solid floor, the bamboo tubes are cut into strips. These are then these are boiled to strip the starch away. The boiled strips proceed to the drying and lamination process, and then milled to become strip floor boards. This is the same process that hardwoods like maple or oak go through. Finally, the strips are treated using a preservative to slow down decay.

 There is something about bamboo floors that gives a room an ethnic and earthy feel. Because hardwoods like oak are rather dark and, thus, look too rich and heavy, using bamboo as your flooring makes your space appear lighter, airier, and less contrived.

 But perhaps the best thing about bamboo floors is that they are easy to acquire and install. Bamboo floor strips are sold at all building materials stores. You don't have to search far and wide to get your hands on them.

Air Conditioner Buying Tips

Most new homes today have air conditioning units. It is more unusual to see homes without central air then to see ones with it nowadays. Air conditioning can be a necessity in warmer climates for the comfort of the family. Most air conditioner units will range from three to six thousand dollars, including installation. This is not a minor investment but one necessary for comfort. If you need a new air conditioner, there are several things to consider prior to purchasing.

Air conditioning units should be installed by a contractor who is experienced with this type of work. Depending on existing ducts and the type of unit purchased, the price may vary greatly. Get several estimates from qualified contractors before deciding on the unit and installer. Ensure the contractor has experience and works well with you. Get references and check them thoroughly.

Air conditioner units use electricity to run. If the unit is used often this can increase energy costs significantly. This is especially true in warmer climates where it is a necessity to cool the home. To help combat these costs, it is advisable to look at the efficiency of the unit. This may mean a larger initial investment, but should save money in the long run.

The efficiency rating is required to be on all air conditioners. Compare units carefully to determine the cost for each type of efficiency. The more efficient a unit is, the more money you will save on energy bills. A more efficient air conditioner will take less energy to run and cool the entire house.

You will need to determine the appropriate size of the unit needed for your house. This is an important step because units that are too small will have to work harder to cool the home. Units that are too large are simply wasteful and unnecessary. A qualified air conditioner contractor will be able to analyze the size of your home and make recommendations on the size needed.

Always get a contract before starting work with any contractor. Make sure all the costs are clearly spelled out. This should include both the cost of the unit and installation. It should also detail payment policies and warranties. Warranties generally cover the compressor and additional parts. Do not choose a unit that has anything less than a five year warranty on the compressor, but a ten year warranty is better. Additional parts may be warranted anywhere from one to five years and are usually separate.

Adirondack Chairs - Combining Comfort With Timeless Style

Adirondack chairs have been around for over a century, but their timeless design is still as popular as ever among those of us looking for comfortable and relaxing outdoor furniture.  The original Adirondack chair was invented in 1903 by a man called Thomas Lee, whilst vacationing with his family in Westport, New York.  The simple but sturdy design, incorporating the characteristic slanted back and wide armrests, was patented by Harry Bunnel, who named this new style of outdoor chair after the nearby Adirondack region.  He went on to successfully sell his Adirondack chairs made from hemlock to summer residents of the resort of Westport for the next 20 years.  And the classic design continues to be a favorite to this day.

The enduring appeal of Adirondack furniture lies in the fact that not only does it look great in almost any recreational setting, from porches to lawns, decks to patios, it is also incredibly comfortable to sit in.  Adirondack chairs are made from different types of wood, including cedar, teak and mahogany.  The wood can be left to weather naturally, stained to preserve its natural color, or painted in any shade you choose.  Modern alternatives that are virtually maintenance free are recycled plastic chairs, which do look amazingly like real wood.

These days, the original design has been adapted to create various different styles of furniture, including Adirondack rocking chairs and porch swings.  Reclining chairs with cushions for extra comfort are a favorite, as are all-in-one styles that come with a retractable ottoman.  For a totally coordinated new look, there are all kinds of Adirondack sets to choose from, such as those with matching side tables, footrests and ottomans.  The wide armrests are perfect for holding drinks or books, and it's really no wonder that this traditional type of outdoor furniture is still so sought after today.  An Adirondack chair is the ideal place to relax and unwind on a long sunny day!

A Guide To Searching For The Perfect Bathtub

Many people decide to purchase a new bathtub for their home for various reasons. You may be remodeling or changing a bathroom in a new home you are buying. Whatever the reason the search for that perfect tub can be a tough one. Bathtubs come in so many shapes, sizes, colors, and types that you are sure to find what you are looking for. By following some of these tips you are sure to find a great tub. A good place to begin your search is by looking in the phonebook, shopping in home improvement stores and searching online. Compare the different options and prices to find the best fit for your family and your bathroom.

Since there are so many different bathtub options the search for the perfect tub can be kind of confusing. When doing your research on the different tubs available it is important to have a game plan. Take into account is the size of the tub you want. Make sure to take measurements of the bathroom area where you want the tub and decide on a size you would like before you start shopping. This will save you some time when searching. Looking at the types of materials that are often used and choosing one that will be a comfortable fit for your bathroom is another thing to consider. Color and style are also things you should consider when shopping for a bathtub, make sure they will look good with the rest of the bathroom.

Bathtubs are classified by the material they are made of. They come in many different types of materials like acrylic, marble, cast iron, porcelain, wood, and fiberglass. The type of material you choose for your tub should depend on your lifestyle. How often will you use the bathtub? What type of bathtub do you want? Do you want one with jets or without? Is it easy to clean? Is it comfortable? These are all questions that you should ask yourself. Fiberglass tubs are often used because they are inexpensive, but they may not be as durable as the other types. Marble, wood, and cast iron bathtubs all last a long time but can be costly and are harder to maintain.

When shopping for a new bathtub color and style are also important to consider. Make sure the color of the tub will match the rest of the bathroom. Pastels and natural colors are popular because of there calming effect. Style and shape of the tub are also important. Take a good look at the different style types and choose a good fit for your bathroom. Commonly seen bathtub types include rectangle, square, round, oval, heart shaped, or corner style. If you are shopping for a certain style or color though, it may be necessary to pre-order ahead of time.

Most homeowners at some point will decide to design or remodel their outdated bathrooms. Since bathtubs come in so many different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors it can make the process of finding that right tub overwhelming. Research is essential when shopping for a bathtub that’s a main element of a bathroom. It is important to compare prices, manufacturers, and quality of the different options and then decide. Don’t just choose the first and cheapest tub you come across because you may miss out on finding a really good bathtub for your money.

10 Country Do's and Dont's

What follows are 10 lessons from my “now I know better” collection. Perhaps these lessons learned will ease your transition from the city to wilderness.  

1. Know thyselves. If you are a couple who bickers over which way to hang the toilet paper roll, don’t buy raw land.

The path from raw land to indoor plumbing is fraught with hundreds, if not thousands, of decisions. If you can’t pull as a team over the little things, how will your relationship survive decisions like where to sink a well (that one can be worth, oh, $20,000), where to put the kitchen, do we buy or rent equipment, do we build a log house or glue it up out of egg cartons?  We built hte log house to make our Bed and Breakfast dream come true.

We have several guys (one of our neighbors included) sitting around our county amidst their half-finished projects all by themselves because the little woman couldn’t handle it and ran off mid-construction. On the other hand, we have another neighbor couple who knew that they weren’t cut out for the house building process. They bought undeveloped land and put a manufactured home on it. Save your marriage (or whatever) and buy a house.

2. Know thy neighbors. You may be under the false impression that since you are moving from more crowded to less crowded conditions that you will have more privacy and that neighbors matter less. Au contraire.

When looking at rural property, you will find yourself driving down many a dirt road. If there is more than one home on that road, it is a neighborhood, like it or not. Look closely at the homes and residents on that road. If your house catches on fire or you hack your leg off with a chainsaw, do you think you can depend on them to help?  Fortunately here on our road up to the Fish Creek House, we have the greatest neighbors that'd help you  out in the proverbial New York minute

When we were  searching the great wilderness for our dream property,we drove down some rural roads that actually triggered the theme from Deliverance in the back of my brain.  Find some excuse to go chat up some of the neighbors before you buy. Introduce yourself and ask them how bad the winters are, whatever, just get a feel for the folks you may have to trust with your life and property.

3. Know thy driveway. I rarely see this subject discussed, but in the country, the length of your driveway can make or break the whole experience.

On the other hand, our driveway is a winding 700 feet long. We can’t even see the road. We love it. But we also live at about 3000 feet and see a lot of snow all winter. This is OK with us because we have good plowing gear and 4-wheel-drive cars.

It also cost big money to put gravel on that much driveway, which is necessary in our area if you want to use your driveway year-round. We have a neighbor who has been out here for years who had to park at the end of his driveway half the year due to the snow and mud until just last year when he got a 4-wheel drive. A long driveway is great for privacy and air quality, but if you actually want to use it, it will cost you.

4. Don’t share. If you are in such a hurry to move that the only way you can afford it is to “go in on” some property with another buyer, don’t.  This is a recipe (pardon the pun) for disaster.

5. Kill some trees. We are tree-huggers who moved to the woods. As we wandered around gawking at all the pretty trees, we decided where to build our first building, a 24 x 40-foot shop. By now, we were one with the trees and couldn’t bear to part with any of them, so we sited our shop where we could take out the fewest trees.

The trees were happy but now along with Fish Creek running through the property, we have a greenhouse for our organically grown produce, a barn for our horses, round pen and arena.  So guests are welcome to bring their equine companions.

6. Do the wave. In the city, avoiding eye contact can be a survival skill. Congeniality can get you shot, or at the very least, panhandled.

Not so in the country. Out here, the wave is the primary social currency. Wave at everybody, whether you know them or not. If you see a guy standing by the road holding an axe dripping with blood, smile and wave cheerily. He might be butchering a deer and may choose to share some with you.    If you don’t wave, you could be Mother Theresa and everyone will think you are growing  something illegal in your basement. Which leads me to . . . .

7. You will earn a reputation. The reputation is a quaint concept that no longer applies to the concrete jungle. You can be any kind of scuzzball you want in the city and no one cares. In fact, some people think it’s cool and they’ll probably give you your own TV show.

Out here, you will earn a reputation whether you are a hermit who only comes out once every five years or the mayor. You can care about it or not, but if you ever want to do business, or anything else for that matter, your reputation will precede you, so consider how you want to be known. Be aware that anything you say will be held against you and it will also be spread all over town.

8. Guns are part of the culture. Guns are loud. In rural America, people have guns and they shoot them. You may no longer have freeway noise in your bedroom, but it could sound like the Battle of Gettysburg in hunting season.

One of the newer residents on our road is a pacifist-tree-hugger-gun-hater.We're in great hunting territory and even have a shooting range where  our resident NRA instructor who also tests guns and gives shooting clinics.  People travel far and wide to attend these as well as to take advantage of having gunsmithing services available .  If you can’t live with that concept in a rural area, you might be happier either in town, where everyone needs a toilet paper permit to you-know-what, or on a road with (shudder) codes and covenants. At least you know then that your neighbor won’t be raising hogs on the property line and shooting them at three in the morning.

9. Pets—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Out here in the hinterlands the term pet food has a whole different meaning. Sure, it’s great to live someplace where Fido can run free, but just remember, so do the Fido  eaters. Let’s face it, most of us city transplants grew up on a TV diet of articulate, well-dressed animals. But in reality, cougars, coyotes, bears, and even large predatory birds are all on the lookout for a nice fat Fido or clueless cat to snack on. While the thought of Yogi Bear pick-a-nicking on my animal is  too gruesome an image for me to entertain, I’ve been here long enough to know that the risk is part of the natural life of animals.

10. Electricity is not a fact of life. It is the luck of the draw.

We provincials, especially we of the woodlands, are the recipients of periodic phone and power interruptions. Trees fall on lines, aliens sever them with anti-matter beams. The utilities can even go out for no apparent reason in the middle of summer. Maybe it’s just a drill. If you have big, full freezers and no backup, you will be having one heck of a steak feed that night.

Go with the flow, is the name of the game when you're living the country life.  Fortunately at the Fish Creek House, we offer  a combination of luxury with a  taste of the rugged outdoors.

Understanding Black Pearls

Do you like black pearls? I simply love them. Why? Well, truly black pearls are extremely rare. Black pearls are produced from black-lipped oyster Pinctada margaritifera. It means that Pinctada is genus and margaritifera is species. Black pearls are produced by gigantic blackclipped oysters, which are scientifically named as pinctada margaritafera. This type of oysters can only be found if one would dive at least 40 meters under sea and as deep as 130 feet.

 Though commonly called "Tahitian" pearls, Black pearls are actually grey to lighter or darker degrees. But, in addition, Black pearls have the unique ability to display a variety of colours at the same time, shimmering about their surfaces in varying shades - colours such as Peacock and Green. Black pearls are not actually black, but very dark gray, with overtones such as blue, green or purple. For centuries, black pearls were prized for their rarity; most pearls are white, cream-colored or a very pale shade such as pink. Black pearls are made by black-lipped oysters that live in the Indian Oceans and the French Polynesian. They have an average size of around 8 to 17 millimeters and are the only pearls that come in a dark color naturally.

Black pearls are quite rare compared to white pearls. This definitely results in the expensiveness of the black pearls and thus makes them a collector's item. So finding the perfect black pearl is quite a challenge.

So as you can see already black pearls are quite rare, have a beautiful luster unique to themselves and make stunning heirloom quality jewelry. For example, black pearls are cultivated in the black-lipped oyster because other oysters do not produce pearls of the same type. Even though pearl farmers know the black-lipped oyster is essential to the cultivation of Tahitian black pearls, they don't know yet how to consistently make it produce a specific color. Today, natural black pearls are very rare. They are usually found in lagoons covering dormant volcanoes, which release mineral salts.
For many of these reasons natural black pearls are rarer than white pearls, and black pearls from the Gulf of California have been valued since the Spanish arrived in the New World.

Cultured black pearls are also produced in the Gulf of California and in Tahiti. Long considered "mourning jewels" for royalty, black pearls are now the hottest fashion ticket in Europe and the United States. Much larger than Akoya pearls, black pearls are part of the large group of South Sea pearls, which includes many varieties of colored pearls produced outside Japan.

It is important not to forget that black pearls are  also superior in color and quality to the freshwater white pearls. Japanese pearls are world-renowned and the best in the world. 

The colors are artificially infused by a treatment known as dyeing, or by subjecting the pearls to irradiation. These treated colors are typically easy to spot by a trained observer who may peer down the drill hole looking for concentrations of color, which indicates the presence of dye, or a darkened pearl nucleus, which indicates radiation treatment.

What To Look For When Choosing Discount Sun Glasses

The right pair of sunglasses can add that touch of style, that hint of mystique and make a statement that you have truly arrived.

But is that all a pair of sunglasses does, make you look chic? Your Eye ware does much more than that; they go a long way more than making just a fashion statement; they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Sunglass lenses are made of glass or plastic that undergoes special hi-tech treatments. The colour and degree of darkness of the lens is an important factor when deciding the Uv Protection factor. So before you buy your favourite Gucci, Oakley, Ray-Ban or prescription or designer eyewear, check out whether they block at least 99 % of harmful UV rays. A simple way is to check is via the label.

Flatter your face and protect your eyes, with the latest styles. Sunglass trends are inspired from retro looks to street fashion. It is for you to decide whether you like aviators and oversized Jackie O frames, or the latest futuristic shield shapes, that have flooded the markets, recently.

Trendy tints are available, a dime a dozen. So, take your pick - wraps, shields, aviators, clip-ons, phew! The list just goes on and on. With the booming global economy, various brands of sunglasses have flooded the market, so it is always advised, that you are aware of counterfeits. Right from the street fashion of New York to the bustling markets of Shaghai, you can find the right choice, if you choose your pair of shades carefully, with a little bit of thought. Go ahead and pick the right pair for you today.

Frames form an integral part of any eyewear. Choose a pair of shades that suit the shape of your face. For example, a round face can carry off geometric shapes and ovals. An angular face looks better in rounder frames and the lucky oval faces can carry off, well almost any style.

Now we come to that important question, how much does one spend for a pair of dream shades? Well it all depends on you whether you want to go for branded fashion eye wear or not. It is always recommended that you go for a branded pair of sunglasses that are safer to use. Sunglasses make much more than a fashion statement they protect perhaps the most precious gift of all, your eyes. Always check for the UV rating of any brand. Also check for the right kind of lens color and frame. Your friendly optometrist will be able to help you out with your choice. Costly shades need not necessarily mean better shades. Search on the net, Splurge a little over $200 and you can get a designer name. Between $500 - $1000 you get into the really rarified zone of celebs. Even prescription sunglasses are available in designer labels. Go to the nearest Christian Dior, Oakley, Gucci, Gabbana, D & D, Polo or OKNY outlet and loosen those strings in your purse or wallet. You even have the option of online shopping for your favorite sunglasses and eyewear. Better still read those exhaustive product reviews on the net or in your favourite fashion magazine, before making your choice.

Over the years the eyewear industry has grown exponentially, literally exploding with a host of brands and designs. Whether it is prescription eyewear, designer eyewear or sunglasses, the styles have become better and the looks are getting ever more sophisticated. From being mere polarized glasses, fashion eyewear n sunglasses have become fashion accessories.

Do you know, we have spent from a few dollars to several hundreds of dollars for that right look?

So getting a right and bright look is not an easy task. Increasing globalization and competition has made the brands better by the day. Sunglasses are not mere fashion statements any more. They are proven protectors of vision. Isn't it time you looked yourself straight in the mirror and said to yourself, go get the latest in eyewear. You deserve it!

Why not Replace the Incandescent With Cfl's

The entire world is facing the crisis of energy. Whenever the light goes off we blame the electricity department and the government for poor supply. But we never think or want to think that what lies behind the problems. The electrical energy we consume is mostly produced from the non-renewable sources of energy, such as coal and natural gas. The energy produced by the generators and converters use petroleum products to run. All these raw materials are non-renewable and would exhaust one day. Without imaging the fate of that day, we keep using the energy extravagantly and mercilessly.

How could you help?

You will be thinking that how you could help resolve the energy crisis? You can. You can do it just by replacing your incandescent bulbs with the CFL bulbs in the home, office and at every place. The average incandescent bulb emits 12-15 lumens per watt while a compact fluorescent bulb emit 60 lumens per watt, a 4 to 5 times better output. Well other appliances like refrigerators and electric irons also consume significant amount of energy but it is the lighting that uses 25 percent of a homeowner's electricity consumption.

Wastage of energy
The traditional bulbs convert only 5% of the energy into light while the rest of energy is wasted in the form of heat and radiation. Maximum amount of energy isn't utilized. Then why we are using these bulbs. Apart from that these bulbs add to the emission of green house gas, which is a serious threat to our environment. Compact fluorescent bulbs use 66% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb. By replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a 32-watt CFL you can save upto $30 in energy costs over the life of a bulb. These bulbs give the same amount of light as a standard bulb, but have lower wattage. Having less wattage means that they use less energy and create less pollution.

Advantages of CFL bulbs over Incandescent bulbs

• CFL bulbs consumes only one-third of the electricity used by the incandescent bulbs. By replacing only a few bulbs you can save more from your monthly electricity bill.
• The average lifetime of a CFL bulb is up to ten times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. It makes them convenient as well as cost effective.
• Apart from its energy and money efficiency, CFL bulbs are considered much better for the environment. One CFL can check more than 450 pounds of emissions from a power plant over its lifetime.
• CFL bulbs produce about 75% less heat for added comfort and lower cooling costs.

Trendy Eyewear For The Fashion Conscious

Long been flaunted as the "must-have" accessories of superstars and celebrities, eyewear has finally gained world-wide acceptance. A piece of eyewear today does more than just protect your eyes from the harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays of the sun. What you wear on your eyes is also seen as a reflection of your personality and individual style quotient. The right pair of eyewear can add that touch of style, hint of mystique and truly announce to the world that you have finally arrived!

Planet Eyewear!
The range of eyewear available today is mind-boggling. With numerous brands, big and small, choosing the right eyewear can be tricky and daunting. From sports eyewear to formal eyewear to casual, the range is wide and prices suitable for most people.

Whether you want to flaunt trendy eyewear models such as Oakley and Oxydo or other designer models, sometimes also referred to as “jewelry items” such as Gucci, Ferrari, and Bvlgari, the constantly evolving eyewear design trends, colors, and shapes are defining pointers for what your look will be fashioned on.
   
Don’t just buy sunglasses to protect eyes. Pay special attention that the eyewear flatters your face as well. Choose from the latest styles; you can pick from wraps, shields, aviators, clip-ons, oversized Jackie O frames, or the really cool futuristic shapes that have flooded the markets.

From New York to Shanghai, various brands of sunglasses have made their way into the market, so must be aware of counterfeits. Stay away from cheap and bad quality plastic lens; these can harm your eyes rather than protecting them. Buy from a reputable store or then shop online at known websites such as www.fuzing.com

Current eyewear trends
According to eyewear fashion experts, large shapes, especially the square shaped frames and the aviators (usually unisex) are currently in vogue. Lens colors or shades that compliment these eyewear shapes are brown, grey and black. So what about blue and pink shades? Well, these colors are completely out and people only want dark tones. Black and grey have also been the most popular choice forever!

Having discussed the shape and color, it’s time to find out what materials are in demand. Consider this: the young crowd is drawn to plastic frames and those that show-off different layered and colored effects to the hilt. Want a sure shot tip on which color frames to choose? Try red and black and/or red and white. You can’t ever go wrong with these two combinations. Don’t like colored effects? No problem. The very chic and fashionable tortoise shell effect is just what will make you look like your favorite celebrity!

Here’s a tip: Try to buy a frame that has a more classic silhouette, rather than a bulky and loud frame. Aim for the timeless look by sticking with sleek materials. Dark colors such as black, brown, grey, or silver and plastic or wire help you stay in style even in the flood of trends!
   
Style Statements for Women and Men
The emerging trend in eyewear is now gearing towards color coordination. For women it means choosing a pair of sunglasses or eyewear that is based on the color of their hair and complexion. The oversized sunglasses with double shades and a perfectly well displayed logo gleaming on the sides, which can also double-up as a hair bands are extremely popular and a huge style statement.

Men can make style statements by flashing the aviator or other distinct-looks in metallic, rimless, or wire frames. It’s fairly common knowledge now that most people who are splurging on expensive branded eyewear, usually have more then a couple of pairs at least. They are on the look out for a particular piece that is distinct and unique for that specific moment.

Designer Eyewear for the Fashion Conscious
If you are looking for a range of eyewear styles from the conventional to the contemporary then look no further than the style guru – Tommy Hilfiger. Tommy’s new Fall 2007 fashion eyewear collection comes with a new twist, which makes the traditional and classical sunglasses and spectacles look vibrant, unique and chic but not ostentatiously so. This juxtaposition of the old with the new, conventional with the urban hip in this new collection, is suitable for any wardrobe and any event.

But if you rather invest in a futuristic or ultra contemporary look then Bvlgari is the brand for you. Hip shapes that are further aesthetically enhanced with the Bvlgari motifs add a streak of glamour to this collection. The different styles available are Quadrato, Parentesi, Astrale and Cicladi, in light and refined metal, acetate frames and Swarovski crystals.

Burberry collection is all about being retro. The vintage, retro look in different styles like the wide square shape, or the slightly rounder shapes is in vogue. Classified as the Runaway Collection, these eyewear pieces are studded with semi-precious stones on the sides.

Getting the Right Look!
Yes, getting the right look is not easy at all. And the best way to find a suitable frame for your face does involve the need for a trial effort. Spend as much time as you can on trying different frames, styles, lens shapes before buying the perfect and trendy pair of eyewear. After all, you deserve it!