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!

Tips on Choosing the Right Sunglasses

Today, sunglasses have become everyone's best friend. We never leave home without them. We carry them just about anywhere our lives take us. We never miss out on every opportunity to sneak at the shades counter whenever we get the chance. Sunglasses are fast becoming indispensable. They don't just keep out those dangerous UV rays but they also exude a lot of attitude. They're our eyes on the world, especially the fashion world. The world ultimately looks better and hipper through the lenses. But with all the variety of trends coming on the scene, how do we pick the right shades? How do we know they fit our facial profile?

Here's a list of quick tips for sunglasses picks to match your face:


Square Face

   You need slightly curved frames with the top high enough on the face to downplay the jaw line. Try aviator or wrap styles that suit your moods.


Round Face

   Straight or angular frames in a deep color such as black or tortoise flatter the features of your face. For a good fit, try square-framed sunglasses with colored lenses.


Triangular Face

   Defined by a broad forehead and a narrow mouth and chin, your face can be complemented with thin rims and vertical lines. Sleek oval frames with colored lenses also looks becoming on you.


Oblong Face

   Similar to the square face with a little more length, the shape of your face looks best with a frame that covers as much of the center of the face as possible. Avoid large frames, heavy nose bridges, bold colors and square shapes. Experiment on updated classics for a trendy look.


Oval Face

   With an oval shape, you can choose more shapes than any other. However, always remember to pick frames in proportion to the size of your face.


Aside from finding the perfect frame for your face, you should also consider frames that are proportional to your nose. Oversize frames balance out a large nose, while short noses should find sunglasses with a high bridge and a light color. Long noses are complemented by a double bridge and frames with high sidebars, drawing attention toward temples.

A good rule of thumb: Go for the frame that is opposite from the shape of your face. Think of the word "balance" and make sure to play around with many different shaped frames before you decide on your final choice.

Standards of Looking Great

We do not know how other people perceive us. In the extremes, this can breed self-consciousness, or it can breed cockiness. Neither warrants much praise. Think about it. Looks, in the abstract sense, will make a significant impact on a person's outlook in life, more than they would like to admit. If people truly perceive a person as looking great, then what harm is done?

This all diverts itself to the misconception that looks are shallow. Ethics will teach us that beauty is only skin deep. All true, very true; but only to an extent. "Looking great" and being beautiful are two separate ideas, as beauty is largely subjective. However, looking great is a matter of culture and place. It can be concluded that, in our times, one will consider a man in a business suit to be affluent, or at least employed. But he does not have to be handsome. This analogy of the business suit points out an undeniable human competent: the instant interpretation of our surroundings. This is neither shallow nor avoidable.

This is the way of the physical universe.

There exist general standards of looking great. Since the term lends itself some vagueness, "looking great" entails being confident; confidence, unpretentious and undiluted, entails being comfortable in your surroundings. The following tips may be of use for the person seeking confidence, not self-consciousness or cockiness.

Tongue scrapers. Yes, this little device will prove to be invaluable. It combats bad breath in the best way possible: it scrapes the surface of the tongue deep at the opening of the throat. Nothing kills confidence worse than bad breath, as it sneaks up without warning, even after a thorough brushing; and pearly white teeth aren't worth two cents if nobody wants to be around your open mouth. The tongue---not the teeth or gums---is a hotspot for awful breath. And an odorous breath is more tied to the common sense of good taste than it is to any one culture. Follow this principle: poop smells like poop, no matter where you're from. Some cultures may seem more tolerant toward the principle, but surly they must not prefer it.

Baggy clothes fall into the half-subjective, half-truth category of looking great. The primary reason why they do very little to accentuate the wearer stems from their design. They sag and distort the wearer. Unless a cultural statement, baggy clothes just plain do not work. This holds true for make-up as well: if it does not accentuate natural features, then it serves little purpose. Ask yourself what is more impressive, natural features, or artificial ones? Yes, artificial looks are acceptable and commonplace, but doubtless does it ever trump the natural.

This leads to our conclusion. Accentuate and compliment your natural features. The principle makes perfect sense, especially if you wish to display confidence in yourself. Hygiene is a universal custom, and the tongue scraper served as an analogy. But the latter discussion in this article highlights a very important touchstone in looking great, which is to look good and feel good according to what is "You." Do not overdo it. Because in a universe comprised of interpretation, there is no greater mis-interpretation than in misinterpreting your very sense of self. Be happy with who you are, and show it in best possible way.

Organize your Neck Tie

Men wardrobe is usually found to be a mess because most of the times all the clothes are found in a haphazard manner. Neck tie which is an important part of your wardrobe needs proper storage so that it lasts long and gives you the same look you had worn for the first time.

Tie Rack
You can place neck ties in a tie rack which saves your time, space and temper in the morning when you are searching for your favorite neck tie all over in your wardrobe. Tie racks are usually revolving and have a push button that brings your perfect neck tie instantly at your fingertips. There are many electronic tie rack storages that could organize up to 72 neck ties and also could also be used for belts at the same time. There is a built in light that enables you to view the neck tie collection and choose the right tie even in the dark.

Wall hook for ties and belts
You can also organize your neck tie in a wall hook that can hold your neck ties and belts securely. It is usually made up of hardwood and acts as a good tie hanger.

Rotating tie hangers
If you wish you can also use revolving tie hangers for a quick turn around for your neck tie accessory. Hanging neck ties in this way saves the space in your drawer and prevents crease and wrinkles in the ties. You can hang each neck tie, scarf, belt separately as such and have a quick access.

Over the door tie hanger
Over the door tie hanger is a unique way to arrange your closet. It provides many hanging bars for optimum vertical storage and could be fitted over any standard door thereby freeing up valuable clothes storage space.

Hanging tie and belt rack
It is a simple and elegant way to organize your neck tie and accessories with hanging tie rack. You can separately hang each tie and belt and thus reduces chances of creases and ease to find.

Necks tie and belt organizer
You can keep your neck ties and belts organized with hanging organizer and could safely hang number of neck ties separately.

Visit our recommended website tying-neck-tie.info

Office Wear for Men

There is a vast difference in styling for personal and professional purpose. There are certain dressing codes that need to be followed in a workplace. One cannot dress casually and work in an office environment. Corporate clothing for men specifies a proper office wear for men. But this trend has undergone a major transformation. Initially the man’s office work clothes were formal consisting of a conservative tie. However with time this business attire is changing away.

It’s very important that employees sign in neat for work. They might opt for casual or formal business attire, but this is something that will vary greatly from setting to setting. Select a fabric according to the season. For the perfect fit, you can try out custom suits that are specially tailored to give you just the perfect fit that will give you the perfect look.

Some things that are completely against dress codes are:
• Clothing which has an abusive and foul language
• Tank tops, muscle shirts or halter tops
• Wearing torn jeans and tops
• Hats or caps
• Wearing sweaty pants or sweat suits

Things to keep in mind
Whatever you wear, make sure it suits you. Don’t just wear something because of the designer labels. It’s important that you ensure proper fit because that is what ultimately matters. Always opt for best quality.

Man dressing for Interview

You need to have a perfect man business interview wear to impress your boss. Always avoid wearing a double breast jacket. A perfect interview wardrobe can be the one that consists of a plain white long sleeved shirt. To complement the shirt you can also wear a silk tie, which will do wonders.

The most important is to wear that beautiful smile on your face, which most people forget to wear.

Neck Tie Racks Keep Your Ties Tidy

At Cambridge University in England, it is still a compulsion to wear neck tie in the dinning halls. So you can imagine how much effort is required from your brain before these meals. It’s not surprising that someday someone would ask, "Is there another way to make these neck tie knots? Is there something different we can do?"


Many of you out there must be wearing a tie every day, much in the same manner as these gentlemen from the Cambridge university. At times even you must have asked yourself, How to make neck tie differently? If yes, then you are at the right place. Given below are four different ways in which you can make a neck tie.
You can save space, time and you can even control your temper with smooth-moving Neck Tie Racks.

Every morning it becomes very hectic for you to search a matching tie for your shirt. Now, your mornings will become less stressful with rotating Tie Rack. The key to all you morning problems is at the tip of your finger. All you have to do is just push a button and the perfect necktie is in front of you almost instantly. What you get is a wrinkle-free and ready to wear tie. This electronically revolving tie-rack can store and organize up to 72 ties. Not only ties but it is an ideal choice for belts too.

It rotates smoothly and it has a built-in light mechanism, which helps you to quickly view your neck tie collection and select the right tie for your shirt, even in the dark. These built-in lights will automatically turn off after 15 seconds. Now you don’t have to worry about searching you neckties when required, they can be easily accessed now with the help of our Neck Tie Rack. Your neck tie storage was never so uniquely compact and yet so conveniently visible.

For more information on neckties and dressing, visit - Neck tie knots


The author is a freelance writer associated with http://www.neck-tie-knots.info

Mens Clothing - From Fig Leaves To Designer Suits

As early as 50,000 years ago, our ancestral Homo sapiens used whatever was in their surroundings to shield themselves from the harsh climate. Anthropologists have unearthed human fossils from the Arctic Circle and saw evidence of men’s clothing made of fur and animal skin. In retrospect, in regions where the temperature was much warmer, evidences of men’s clothes made primarily, of leaves and grass were discovered. These were used to cover primitive man from the dust and heat. At that time, men’s clothing was nothing more that an ingenious invention borne from necessity.

As centuries passed though, men’s clothing assumed a new significance— it became a signature for social status. Emperors and Kings wore ornaments made of gold and rare jewels; nobles wore hats, while peasants adorned themselves with shells and plain-colored garments.

Many decades later man found the means to bridge his geographical gap with his neighbors.  As a consequence, men’s clothing became as diverse as the cultures of this world. Chinese men wore court dresses; the Scottish wore tartans and kilts, Filipinos were seen in their barongs that were woven from pineapple fiber. Because of this diversity, trends emerged and fashion as an institution was born. Designers and fashion magazines all fanned the flames of what was essential and what was frowned at in men’s clothing. Men were sized up by how his pants were creased, the length of his tie, if his belt matched his loafers. Fundamental rules and classifications surfaced and they became codes that the modern man lived by. For instance, brown belts should never go with black shoes. This applied across all cultures that required shoes and belts on formal functions.

Amidst this celebration of diversity, the concept of haute couture emerged. Remarkably, this gave men’s fashion the tool for individual distinction. A separation from the rest not dictated by social status, rather, by preferences. Indeed, by having clothes designed and made especially for oneself emphasized one's uniqueness.

Men’s clothing became a form of expression.

How a man saw himself was ultimately reflected by how he dressed. Everyday was one big costume party that showcased men’s clothing and its 50,000 years of history, give and take.

As life became more and more fast-paced, a new element was soon incorporated into men’s clothing-– comfort. Looking good became as important as feeling good. Modern lifestyles required clothes that did not require special cleaning and tedious caring.

In response to this need and as a consequence of capitalism and trade, technology nurtured the discoveries and inventions of fabrics and methods of clothes making. Nylon, Polyester and Lycra are but a few synthetics that replaced natural fibers. Mainstream men’s clothing was mirrored by sports wear that breathed like skin, smart office wear that repelled water, and shoes that complimented a foot’s contour instead of the other way around. Men’s clothing in retail boomed.

In the transition between haute couture and retail, constants were defined. Today, these staple articles are as essential as to men’s clothing as they were when they were first created.

The suit

In business and formal functions, the suit has claimed stake as the most appropriate ensemble in the pool of men’s clothing. A man can never go wrong by showing up in a suit.

The blue jeans

Levi's, Mossimo, and Lee are just some of the labels that have paved the way for what jeans are all about now and how they should be worn-- deconstructed, faded, or acid-washed. From a workman’s essential to a casual staple, jeans have secured its place as an icon of men’s clothing.    

The Cross Trainer

Nike and Adidas have cornered the market by ever-revolutionizing shoes that conquer even the testiest terrain and the most rigorous of training programs. These shoes are not an after-thought in men’s clothing, rather, the first that is thought of and for which, all other fitness apparel follows.

The T-Shirt

T-shirts were originally undergarments worn by laborers. A classic example of metamorphosing use of garments, by the end of World War I, it became a permanent trend for casual wear.

For the years to come, fashion will continue to evolve and will continue to be influenced by emerging technologies, trends and necessity, but utility and design will always be key elements in men’s clothing. The marriage of form and function in men’s clothing will never be divorced.

Men’s Trench Coats: Look Classy and Stay Warm

Men’s trench coats are perfect for the man that wants to remain stylish, while not giving way to comfort or functionality. Men’s trench coats are great for most elements because they are usually treated with a waterproof substance and they will not weigh the owner down.

Men’s trench coats are made by many of the leading coat manufacturers, including: Bill Blass, Joseph Abboud, Kenneth Cole, Armani, Jamin Leather, Wilson’s Leather, USA Leather and many more.

There are many great features that are associated with men’s trench coats, including: belted closure, inside pockets, outside pockets, hand warmer pockets and satin or polyester linings. Many materials can be used in the making of men’s trench coats, including: cotton, leather, nylon, polyester, twill and even lambskin!

Men’s trench coats are very versatile. They can be worn by anyone from teenagers to businessmen. They are available in many different sizes, from short to extra tall. Men’s trench coats are available in many different price ranges. You can expect the cost of men’s trench coats to start at around $50 and can go up in price from there.

Men’s trench coats can be double-breasted, full-length and single breasted. There are many color choices between the many men’s trench coats, including: black, brown, gray, tan, khaki and many more.

If you are thinking of buying men’s trench coats, it is always a good idea to make a list of exactly what you want in the coat. Will the trench coat be for you or is it a gift? Will you need a men’s trench coat in a specific color? Do you need to shop within a specific price range for men’s trench coats?

If you are thinking of men’s trench coats, then you will also want to pay close attention to the care and handling of them. If you have a very busy schedule and cannot afford to take the trench coat to the cleaners regularly, then it is probably best to find one that you can easily clean yourself.

If you take the time to shop around, you can find some merchants that offer men’s trench coats at affordable prices. There are places to find men’s trench coats at wholesale and discounted prices, so you shouldn’t have problems finding something that you can afford.

Like Everything Else 80’s, Leotards Are Making A Comeback

Fashion, like many other things in history, seems to work in cycles. Bell bottoms came back, afros came back, and the shaggy 70’s look came back left and came back again. The cycle continues in dance wear, and it is apparent when you walk into any hip night club or concert: leotards are making a comeback!

The leotard originally peaked during the days of disco and Fonda in the 1970’s. Today, over 30 years later, the one-piece outfit is popping up in fashion magazines, in concerts, and in vintage boutiques. Leotards are making a comeback on the heels of other 70’s and 80’s apparel like leggings and skinny jeans, and the trend is seemingly being embraced by the masses.

The original leotard first appeared in 1859. Named after the creator, a French aerialist, Jules Leotard, it showed up first during a French flying trapeze performance. The first edition of the garment was a hand-knit jersey that covered him from wrist to ankles. In fact, it was more of a unitard than a true leotard. Stories abound about the revealing nature of the garment drawing as many people as the performance itself, which does not venture that far from the truth of today either.

From ballet artists, to showgirls, to lingerie models, leotards went on to become a part of pop culture through the 1960’s and 1970’s. However, as the late 80’s and 90’s passed, leotards were limited to formal ballet performances and rarely showed up in pop music or the night life of major markets once the hair band era moved on. That is all changing now as the first decade of the 21st century marches toward completion.

The one group who don’t have to be told that leotards are making a comeback is superheroes. Many a comic book hero is dressed in standard leotard and cape attire. In fact, it may be argued that Halloween and the affinity of young boys for super heroes is what kept the leotard industry alive through the last decade.

It is true, leotards are making a comeback. Nearly 20 years since hair bands and unitard costumes went the way of the dodo, the leotard look is coming back with performers, dancers, and clubbers alike. The new trend is finding its way into the pop culture consciousness by being simple, sexy, and vintage. Everything in history goes in cycles, including fashion, so it is no surprise the one piece clothing wonder is back. What’s next, moon boots and parachute pants? Stay tuned since the advancement of the leotard can be seen as an announcement that anything can come back as long as pop stars are willing to put them front and center.

So get used to leotards making a comeback. Whether you choose to participate in the vintage movement or not, it is coming. It has been in and been out and back in again since its 19th century trapeze beginnings, which means that leotards are more timeless than most anything in the fashion spectrum.

Engagement Rings Buying Guide

When it is time to make that all-important step of proposing to that special woman in your life, you will need to invest in an engagement ring. Before you begin shopping for that perfect ring, you should know exactly what to expect, what to look for, and the various types of rings that are available. The first part of any engagement ring is the band; there are many different kinds of bands of different sizes, colors, and metals. The gems are just as ranged as the bands, they come in a variety of sizes, weights, cuts, and colors.

The first thought that comes to mind in an engagement ring, is a diamond. Of course, this is the traditional engagement ring; however, it could be any gem the couple chooses, it is all the matter of preference.

Selecting a Band

When selecting a band there are a few different types of metals you have to choose from, these include:

• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum

Each person has their own preference, some people prefer the traditional gold ring, others prefer the shine that silver or platinum can provide. Gold is perhaps the most popular of all metals when it comes to engagement rings. The gold within a ring is measured in karats. The most popular karat weight of gold is 14 Karats, though you can find gold rings that are 18 Karats and 24 Karats as well. Gold also comes in two colors, yellow or white gold. The drawbacks of gold are that it can bend very easily when worn and tends to lose its shine after a period of time.

Silver or platinum are extremely hard and does not bend as easily. Neither of these are as popular as gold is and typically costs more than gold as well. Platinum is popular because it generally never loses any of its shine nor does it tarnish in any way and is perfect for those that are allergic or sensitive to other metals.

Selecting the Perfect Ring

Here are a few tips you should consider when you are ready to purchase a ring for that special loved one.

1. If you have already proposed and are ready to purchase the ring, take your loved one with you when selecting a ring. This will allow her to have a choice in the matter and this way you will always have the perfect size and fit.

2. If you are purchasing a ring prior to the proposal, consider retrieving (also known as sneaking) one of the rings she already owns and taking it with you. This will help in making sure the ring will fit on that big day.

3. Furthermore, for surprise rings make sure that you take notice of everything about the love of your life. Take note of the type of rings she wears, small stones, large stones, or none at all. This will help your jeweler make suggestions on the ring you should consider.

Overall, it can seem like a daunting task in picking out that perfect engagement ring. Have fun with it and know that the end results could very well be spending the rest of your life with the one you love.

The Simplest Solution To Customer Satisfaction

“Thank you for calling XYZ Company. Your call is important to us but not important enough for us to answer it. Please hold for eternity or leave a message and a representative will contact you as soon as it is convenient for us.”

If you’ve ever used the telephone to contact a business you can relate to the frustration that can result from voice mail or automated answering services. Undoubtedly, when they first became “the way to do business” it was extremely annoying; however, times are changing, folks are automating and imprudent business practices such as this are gaining acceptance (or at least tolerance).

Of course the ole’ time principles of customer services – such as answering the phone before the third ring, avoiding putting a customer on hold if at all possible, and providing personal service – are still superb solutions to customer satisfaction. But, in our automated world, it is vital to recognize the importance of responding to customers quickly and appropriately, especially if they have been forced to listen to a long recording and traipse through a jungle of push buttons in order to leave a message for you instead of being afforded the luxury of speaking to a warm-blooded human.

Whether a customer makes contact in person, via telephone or through email, businesses should strive to provide a timely, if not an immediate response. Customer satisfaction is reliant on responsiveness.

So, you may ask, “What is a timely response?”

Honestly, the definition of a timely response really depends on the customer’s perception. The urgency of their need may play into the mix or their idea of a timely response may be linked to their expectations.

For some reason there is a perception amongst business people that a 24 hour response to a customer inquiry is sufficient. From the customer’s perspective; however, having to wait 24 hours for a quick answer to a simple question or a viable solution to a serious problem is ridiculously aggravating and neglectful on the part of the business.

When customers have a bad experience, from the customers’ perspective, they are sure to seek other options for fulfilling their needs. Plain and simple – poor customer service results in lost business.

Regardless of the type of business you are in and whether you receive customer inquiries via telephone, email or a website contact form, it is absolutely critical that you get back to your customers right away. Placing responsiveness at the top of your customer service objectives is the simplest solution to gaining a competitive advantage, producing satisfied customers, maintaining your customers through repeat business, and building your market share through client referrals. Responsiveness is the single most important factor to enhancing customer satisfaction.

Turn Your Customer Complaint into a Positive

The last thing we want to hear during our work day is complaints from customers. However, it does come with the territory. Here are a few tips on how to turn your customer’s complaint into a positive.

1. Listen

When a customer comes to you with a complaint about one of your products or services, listen to them. Listen to what they are telling you, and take notes if at all possible.

The number one thing a customer wants when they have a problem is for someone to listen to them.

Allow them to vent, let them get it all out. Once they have explained their problem in full, begin to ask any questions you may have to get a full handle on the situation.

While you are listening, body language is very important. Make sure you maintain eye contact. This sends your customer a message that you are taking them seriously.

2. Be Empathetic

When the customer is done explaining their problem, show sincerity by telling them that you understand how they feel. Apologize on behalf of the company that they feel the way they do, and tell them that you are committed to resolving their issue within the guidelines of your company.

By becoming defensive in this situation, you are taking a bad situation and making it worse.

By having an understanding of where your customer is coming from on the situation, and speaking in a calm tone of voice, you can clearly defuse the situation.

You don’t by any means want your customer to become angry and cause a scene.

3. Offer a Solution.

We have all heard the expression “the customer is always right.”

I don’t necessarily agree with this, but it is important to work toward finding a solution, even if the customer is in the wrong. For instance, you might try meeting them half way.

You will know wether or not your customer is a repeat offender, and you can handle the situation accordingly.

For customers who have a legitimate complaint, it is best to rectify the situation right then and there. Wether it is giving them their money back, or replacing their product.

Always leave your customer with your business card and tell them if they should ever have a problem again, they should not hesitate to contact you immediately. This will help them regain their confidence in you and your company.


The main goal when a customer has a complaint is to not allow the problem to snowball. Your objective should be to defuse the situation and retain your customer.

By handling tough situations such as these in a professional manner, you will find your once complaining customers satisfied that you resolved their issue, and a new found respect for you.

This article may be reproduced by anyone at any time, as long as the authors name and reference links are kept in tact and active.

The Benefits and the Dangers of CRM

"CRM" stands for Customer Relationship Management. It is a business strategy that is used to improve customer service, and increase customer satisfaction. Customer Relationship Management is designed to provide information a business need to develop and implement smarter customer strategies.

The benefits of Customer Relationship Management CRM are clear: CRM ebables companies and organizations to build more profitable customer relationships and reduce operation spendings. Sales, mareketing personnels will have more customer information to work on. The business is able to know what customers want so that they can maximize their revenue by adverting the right products to the right people. CRM also enable business to monitor all the contacts between customers and companies.

However, study has shown that only 16% of businesses are satisfied with their CRM software. More than half of CRM initiatives fail. The biggest problem is that the collected data are not used. Most of the companies has spent tons of money to collect all kinds of information of their clients but never use this information to improve their business. Money spent on CRM software and implementations has been wasted. As a business owner, before you spend any money on CRM software and implementations, you need a complete planning that ensures your success. The ultimate goal is to improve your relationship with your customers, and boost your customer satisfaction.

For more information and resources related to CRM and CRM softwares,visit the one-stop online CRM solution website at http://www.crm-solution-web.com/

CRM: Keeping Customers Loyal

Customers are now in charge. Thanks to the growth of the Web, it is easier than ever to comparison shop and switch from one business to another with the click of a mouse. However, research has found that in the online market, customers yearn for trustworthiness more than ever.
Customer relationships are a company’s most valuable asset - worth more everything else combined as no customers = no business. Getting and keeping more customers who stay with you longer is crucial. If your customers are loyal to your business, they will be much more likely to choose you over your competitors. Loyal customers will be much more likely to tell their friends about you. Loyal customers spend more and bring in even more new customers. Loyalty is immensely valuable. Research has shown that a 5 percent increase in customer retention rates results in a 25 percent to 95 percent increase in profits.

It’s easy to say customers are our most important asset but turning CRM strategy into bottom-line results is hard work. It means winning the battle for customers’ hearts and minds every day, with each interaction at every customer touch point. Long-standing relationships only arise from trust gained over many transactions and by customers' belief that the company wishes to keep them around rather than drive them away.

Creating a customer-focused company starts with the definition of a CRM strategy, which must then be filled out with new work processes, organizational changes, and even a revamped corporate culture.

To create customers for life, customers who will become advocates with the perception (and don’t forget that perception is reality) they need to believe that you do what's best for your customers, not just what's best for your bottom line.

To do that you need to:

1) Find out what customers want and know what you are providing matches that. Do not start with the bottom line. Profit and cash flow are residuals of attention to the needs and preferences of your customers. Of course, profits are crucial. But long-term cash flow and profits come from regular customers.

2) Be honest and keep things simple, listen, communicate openly and keep your promises. Deliver what you say you will. Far too many businesses focus on ways to keep customers, only to lose sight of the fact that their product or service simply isn't what it should be. Make certain that the core of what you do is deserving of long-term customer loyalty, and then look for ways to nurture it. Make it simple to do business with you.

3) Practice what you preach and preach what you practice. Treat your customers like you would like to be treated and then go even further by, in that classic phrase: exceeding their expectations. Give customers reasons to stay. Great service or products are terrific, but it never hurts to lure customers into the long-term fold. How about discounts for regular customers? Customer loyalty is needs to be appropriately valued and rewarded.

4) Nurture employees. “Old-fashioned” solutions still provide the edge. Research shows that a personal relationship with your employees is the key to keeping customers loyal and that happy staff keep customers coming back. Treat your employees as you would want to be treated year after year. Not only does that encourage staff to also do their bit to entice customer loyalty, it's emphasises a supportive, responsive environment. Employee loyalty needs to be appropriately valued and rewarded.

5) Use sensible marketing practices. Not many people enjoy being inundated with telephone calls and mailings so don’t do it! Test, test, test and track the customers who come back. Once you know who your best customers are, the real work begins—convincing them to stay forevermore. Repeat purchase and retention rates capture the real financial ramifications of whether or not a company is delivering high value to its customers.

6) Know the value of your customers, segments and groups. Know who is likely to be loyal. Some customers are more trouble than they're worth. Monitor what goes into keeping a customer satisfied; if it's too costly or simply too much work - it's wrong to say that everyone should be a lifelong customer.

7) Use effective CRM systems, don't let the systems use you. Don't be driven by the vendor or consultant - use them, they're likely to know the technology far better than you. But let customers' needs and everything above drive how you use the technology. Remember it is an aid not an end.