Hot Staging Tips for Cold Weather Sales

Home staging is an important component to a successful sale at any time of the year. Selling a home in winter requires some extra special considerations.

Here are a few home staging tips sure to heat up a quick sale in winter:

Safety First: Be vigilant about cleaning snow and ice from driveways, walkways, patios and decks. Add hand rails and salt all steps and walkways. Check doorways, overhangs and gutters for dangerous icicles. Use timers to automatically turn exterior lights on and off from dusk to dawn.

Curb Appeal: Accent snow covered trees and grounds with white holiday lights or spot lights. Add a berry wreath in reds and yellows to the front door. Single electric welcome lights in front windows create an inviting glow.

Entry: Have a spare welcome mat and entry rug free of tracked in salt and dirt always ready for showings. A boot caddy and chair are a nice addition for taking off wet boots. Keep the thermostat at a comfortable temperature.

Odors: Cold weather outside means stale indoor air. Open windows regularly to circulate fresh air. Thoroughly clean and eliminate mildew, smoke and pet odors. Light an apple pie, pumpkin spice or vanilla cookie scented candle for a home-baked aroma during showings.

Clear the Clutter: Keep holiday decorations and accessories to a minimum. Take down family photos and collections. Eliminate excess furniture and pre-pack for your move. Clean out closets, cabinets and storage areas. Add a welcoming touch of spring to the coffee table with a vibrant blooming plant such as Amaryllis or Paper Whites.

Let There Be Light: Change out light bulbs to the new daylight bulbs for brilliant natural looking light. Turn on all lights, inside and out, for every showings. If you have a fireplace - use it! Open all draperies and make sure the windows sparkle.

Make winter home buyers happy to come in from the cold. Hopefully, they'll want to stay!

Nanette Catarinella, owner of Room Styles Interiors, is a licensed real estate broker, interior decorator, award winning re-designer and home staging professional trainer. For more information, please visit her web site at: http://www.RoomStylesInteriors.com

Great Ideas for Candle Gift Sets

Buying a gift for the person who has everything is difficult. Sometimes you just don?t know someone well enough to pick out a gift that he or she might like, as when visiting a friend?s family over the holidays or meeting your in-laws-to-be for the first time. That is when a candle gift set would come in handy. You can either order these from reputable gift shops or candle stores, or you can try making one yourself. Then drop it off or ask someone to deliver it for a professional touch.

Visit a nearby craft store that carries candle products or go to one of the many that are available online for ideas and shopping options. You can find kits for making your own candles, or ready-made candles to be used for a plethora of decorating purposes. This is a good time to get the gift basket or decorator vase that will hold your gift candle and any accessories you choose to add. Browse the web pages that provide plentiful ideas to consider for holidays, birthdays, and special events of all kinds, such as anniversaries, promotions, or new homes.

Candles come in many different sizes, shapes, designs, styles, colors, and scents. You can get a votive candle for spiritual or reflective connotations. There are also thick, scented candles or those that fill jars and other containers. These self-contained products are easy to manage and clean to use, with caution. The variety of colors, some plain and others mixed, adds a festive touch to any gift combination that you make up.

Decorator items for your candle or gift basket might include lace, ribbon, sequins, glitter, a fabric basket liner, and supplies for arranging things, like scissors, a glue gun, and gift tags. Often you can get things like this at the dollar store or discount shop. Shop for coordinating or matching colors and styles to give your basket a professional look.

Accompanying gift items could include bath oil or scented soap that matches the candle fragrance, a small box of specialty chocolates, gourmet tea bags, or a cute stuffed toy. Designer hand gloves, a name mug, or an inexpensive (but not cheap) piece of jewelry might fit well. Look for wrapping materials like decorative paper, a box that will fit all, or colored cellophane wrap to enclose the gift for the recipient. Add an attractive nametag, if desired.

Be sensitive to the possibility of someone?s having an allergy to a candle product. For example, some candles come in scents that bother those with allergies to a certain fragrance, like roses, so you will want to find out in advance and choose another scent. Beware of lead wicks, too, as these can release subtle but troublesome amounts of lead into the air while burning.

Then arrange your gift basket in an attractive display that will make the receiver feel special. Everyone appreciates the thoughtfulness and creativity that comes with a homemade present made of quality materials that are useful and pretty to look at.

Shop for fun and decorative candles for yourself and for great candle gift ideas when you visit The Candle Case

Sew Bouquets of Cabbage Roses

Cabbage Roses Are Blooming Everywhere!

Sew Some Up Fast And Easy!

Have you noticed all the fabric flowers adorning garments these days? Take a look around the department stores.

They are everywhere on everything on people and in homes.

Fabric flowers can be very expensive to buy.

But, you can sew your own with just some scraps of fabric and a little time.

Here is a simple technique for sewing cabbage roses in minutes.

I like two sizes of roses. The smaller one requires bias cut fabric 3 wide x 15 long.

The larger rose is 5 wide x 27 long.

Try a sample of each to see what you like. Of course, you can make them any width or length. Experiment. Remember that the weight of the fabric makes a difference.

Just know that the length and width of the piece of true bias fabric needed depends on the size that you want the rose to be when finished.

Fold the width in half with the right sides out and wrong sides together. Do not press.

Make tiny slits along the raw edges of the double bias fabric. This will prevent the bias from curling when you stitch and wrap it into a rose.

A side note: This is a good trick to know to keep bias from twisting in other areas of your sewing.

Either machine or hand baste 1/4 from the raw edges matching slits on the edges as you sew.

Pull the baste stitching to gather up the fabric slightly.

Tuck in one of the raw edge ends. That will be the center of the rose.

Now, roll or wrap the gathered fabric around itself loosely.

When it is all wrapped, pull the other end down under the rose to hide it and tuck it in. Pin in place.

Thread a needle with a single thread run through beeswax to strengthen the thread and keep it from tangling. I also like to run the thread under the iron to melt the wax into the thread. This is another great tip to remember for all your hand sewing.

Then take hand stitches back and forth across the bottom of the rose to hold all the layers together nicely and secure the loose end.

On the outside, turn the folded edges back a little to look like a flower.

NOTE: The more you gather the thread, the flatter the flower. Looser gathers make the flower stand up more. You have to experiment with the gathers to get the look you want.

Remember, no pressing required.

Now you want to make your rose look finished on the back.

Press some fusible interfacing to a scrap of matching rose fabric. Draw a circle about the size of the bottom of the base of your flower.

Cut out the circle. The interfacing will keep it from fraying.

Hand stitch the circle to the bottom of your rose to cover all the raw edges.

You can attach a pin back to the bottom or sew the rose directly to your garment. I prefer a pin back so I can easily remove the rose and use it for other garments, hats, scarves, etc.

I've seen these roses embellishing a wedding gown that was absolutely stunning.

Use some unique fabrics to make your roses. Try prints, stripes, plaids, etc. Have some fun!

You might even try making some roses from men's old neckties. Necktie fabric is already cut bias.

Extra tip: Save the interfacing from the ties to make new ties.

To keep your roses looking fresh and to keep from being crushed, put small roses in Leggs hosiery plastic eggs.

For larger roses, make a ring out of cardboard from an old file folder or cereal box. Place it around the rose and tape it to the right size for the rose.

Use your roses on your lapel, in your hair, to hold a scarf, decorate a hat, embellish any garment or on a special gift instead of a bow.

How about some cabbage roses on decorative pillows or your evening bags or put them on your curtain tie-backs.

I've even seen them on a ribbon wrapped around some towels in the bathroom! Really gorgeous!

Make your own floral arrangement to match your decor.

It just makes sense to do it yourself!

Use your imagination! You are the designer!

They are quick to make as gifts.

Sew bouquets of fun!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

?2005 Marian Lewis ? All Rights Reserved - 1st Step To Sewing Success

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor and the creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks.

In her ebook, Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants, find out step-by-step WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

For more information, go to: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

Marian is also the author of other eBooks related to sewing including, Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids where she teaches basic sewing techniques while you have fun doing it!

To learn more, go to: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

To discover sewing and fitting secrets to achieve sewing success, follow the link: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com

Let Your Creativity Run Wild: Learn How to Decorate Window Blinds

A simple but elegant home is widely considered nowadays. You do not need to splurge big amount of money to give your home a classy touch. All you need to do is create ways to furnish your home with the elegance you desire but keeping it simple and cost-effective.

One way to give your home the simple but elegant touch is to properly decorate your windows. You can opt to choose window blinds. However do not just hang your window blinds! Give it a look that is appealing not only to your eyes but to the eyes of anyone who enters your dwelling place.

There are ways to create fine-looking window blinds.

Choose the Color

You do not have to be traditional. For instance, if it is a wooden blind, do not settle with the customary brown-like color. Choose a color that harmonizes with the atmosphere of your home.

Normally, white is chosen as color for window blinds decorations since it matches other different colors that are available in your home. A blue sofa set will never go wrong with white window blinds or a purple painted bedroom complements white.

However you can always play with colors to give your room the aura which you wish. Make sure though that colors are well coordinated.

Window Design

Most home decorators opt for managing their windows with clean, nominal, transparent and light-colored designs. Commonly you can incorporate your own designs so your personality will be reflected into it.

If you love woods, then go for wooden blinds. Have it custom-made so the personality you desire will be revealed. On the other hand, other window blinds come in different types such as:

?Mini blinds. These are blinds which have slim slats.

?Vertical blinds. It comes in upright shapes. You will have the ability to rotate the blinds up to ninety degrees to let the sun fully enter your home.

?Horizontal blinds. It comes in horizon-like shapes.

?Woven-wood blinds. You can have it in wood, yarn or bamboo. Almost fifty percent of sunlight is being trapped using this type of blind.

?Fabric blinds. There are varieties of fabrics which can be utilized as window blinds. Furthermore with fabrics you will have the ability to choose the type and design of fabric.

Designs vary. It may depend on the type of window blinds you will choose. Sometimes it varies on how you look at things and how you incorporate ideas to come up with a window blinds design.

At this time all you need to do is mull over to create an appealing window blinds. Let your creativity run wild!

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Blinds, please visit http://blinds.articlekeep.com

Cottage Style Home Decorating: All White is Dynamite!

All-white d?cor doesn?t have to be bland?on the contrary it can be cozily grand! Here?s how to create an all-white cottage that sumptuously says, ?Welcome Home!?

1.Shady Lady. The secret to decorating your cottage successfully in white lies in using several shades of complementary white paint on walls, floors, and furniture. Think very subtle shades of bright white, soft white, yellow white, beige white, gray white, etc. Look at paint cards at the paint store to find shades that complement each other. The choices of white shades are virtually unlimited.

2.Touching Texture. The next most important secret to decorating with white is texture. Think textured paint on the walls, chenille comforters, pillows embellished with texture, textured art, white seashells. Texture in different shades of white creates a soft ambience.

3.Wonderful Windows. Painting windowsills a bright high-gloss white makes them stand out from other shades of white walls, such as off-white or beige, and gives a crisp, clean look. Window treatments are often not necessary, or try sheer white textured panels for a lovely romantic look.

4.Give it the Slip. White cotton duck slipcovers on sofas and chairs are a wonderful cottage look and also very practical as they can be washed easily, and with each washing they get more soft, comfy, and cozy.

5.Fabulous Furniture. Paint all your wooden furniture different shades of high gloss white. The styles and shapes may differ but the white paint will create a charmingly cohesive look. For a weathered look, simply sand a little of the paint off with sandpaper. White wicker furniture especially adds nice texture and always says ?cottage charm.?

6.Beautiful Bathroom. A white pedestal sink and white wainscoting on the walls say ?instant cottage.? Add some very thick fluffy white towels with your monogram for style.

7.Light Luxury. Put dimmer switches on your overhead lights and use white candles throughout your cottage for a soft romantic look.

8.Shutter Chic. Use old white weathered shutters around your home in a decorative way for a charming cottage look. For example, I have a weathered shuttered screen indoors used as a room divider, and an old white shutter on my patio with ivy growing on it.

9.Dashing Dishes. Collect and mix-and-match white dishes and add color for different occasions with placemats, tablecloths, napkins, and flowers.

10.Arresting Art. To highlight your all-white scheme, hang floral art with soft pastel shades, or for a more contemporary cottage look, hang big bold art with bright colors.

It?s easy to create a wonderful all-white ?color scheme? for your cottage and it can really be dynamite!

c2006 Kathryn Bechen. All rights reserved worldwide.

Visit http://www.KathrynBechenDesigns.com to sign up for Kathryn's full color photo e-newsletter of decorating tips and resources, and to view her color photo blog. Kathryn is an interior decorating consultant, former professional organizer, and published author who has been interviewed by and featured in San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyles magazine, the Omaha World Herald, RealtyTimes.com and others. Her originally authored articles have been published in newspapers and across the internet and she has recently released the e-book, Moving With Ease: The 8 Week Plan for an Organized & Stress-Free Move Whether You Hire a Mover or Do It Yourself! based on coordinating her own 11 household moves during 25 years of marriage. In addition, she has taught seminars and spoken to groups as large as 400.

Consider Marble as a Flooring Choice In Addition to Hardwood Floors

You are in the market for new flooring and wisely doing all the research you can before you head out to the stores. Perhaps your carpeting has become worn. or too dirty to be cleaned with steam cleaning. You may just be tired of vacuuming and want to consider hardwood floors. Or maybe its the hardwood floor you are tired of. and the daily sweeping and frequent waxing that is involved. One of the best alternatives to either of these as a floor covering is marble tiles. There is such a great selection of different types of floor treatments that you should not limit yourself to any one thing.

Marble tiles offer tremendous choice of color. shape and size. but you can even choose different textures in your marble floors. Smooth or rough finishes are available and the number of designs you can choose from is almost limitless: squares. swirls. as well as custom hand painted designs. Make sure you have a very good idea of your existing decorating scheme before you go shopping for your marble floor tiles. These tiles are are available at many retailers. from high end specialists to home supply centers. Marble floor tiles are sold by the square foot; have your measurements ready and also buy a few extra tiles in case any become damaged while they are being installed. You may be able to request samples of marble tiles to try out in your home and see how they go with your existing decor. This is a great way to match the colors of your walls and furniture. or to pick new paint and fabric. It will also help you to decide upon the correct texture for your home.

Once your beautiful marble floor tile is professionally installed. start taking proper care of it from day one. Make sure you only use the products that are suited for marble floor tiles and recommended by the manufacturers. The manufacturer will recommend the proper cleaners. sealers and polishers for your marble tiles. But even before you begin to use these products. make sure you sweep the surface free of dust and debris. Mix your cleaning agent according to instructions and use a clean rayon or sponse mop to clean the tiles with. These kinds of mops are non abrasive and will not cause scratches on the surface. as other mops might. You don't have to rinse or wipe your marble floor. but you should allow the marble floor to dry completely before you allow traffic. Marble floor tiles are the ideal surface for bathrooms. kitchens. foyers and hallways. Just watch elegant marble turn a dull area into a dramatic space. Marble is easy to care for and lasts forever (just think of the centuries-old marble in Italy and Greece).

The one disadvantage of marble floor tiles is the expense. Most fine marble tiles come from abroad and that contributes to the cost. However. if you watch for specials at the home improvement centers and specialty retailers. you may come across a sale from time to time. Marble floor tile is a beautiful. elegant. timeless way to update your home.

Andrew Caxton is a reliable journalist who has published more articles on this issue for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . If you would like more information on hardwood floors, visit his website and subscribe to his weekly newsletter.

Shining the Light on Beaded Curtains

Beaded Curtains and door beads are very cool in certain situations. They seem to be used most by college students in their dorm rooms and those with an eclectic sense of style, especially those looking for a more retro decor.

They were commonly used in the 60's and 70's and still have a strong following today, mostly because of a rise in the popularity of feng-shui decorating. Beaded curtains can be a wide variety of styles and colors. They can come in wood, plastic and bamboo as well as a few other styles. You can even have patterns and images appear with the beading. A lot of people find that making their own beaded curtains is relaxing and fun, some even turn it into a money making business instead of just a hobby. Making your own can be time consuming but you'll also have exactly what you want; assuming you know what you're doing.

Beaded curtains are often used in areas where a full door isn't really necessary but you still want to emphasize a distinctive line between the two rooms. In many movies you'll see them used as bedroom, bathroom and closet doors. You can also use them over windows, and if done correctly it can scatter beautiful colors across your room.

If you?re looking for a unique creative touch in your home, you can pick up the basic materials necessary for beaded curtains in most craft stores. Give it a try and see what you?re capable of.

Here is a breakdown of the most common types.

Bamboo - one of the most popular materials because its very lightweight. They also add an audible dimension with the swishing sound they produce. They can be colored easily and are often used to create designs within the curtains.

Acrylic - these beads are transparent molded colored plastic that are used to make an unlimited variety of shapes. The variety provides an unlimited range of themes for your curtain style.

Wooden - these beads are also very popular in curtain construction. They are tougher than bamboo and can also be manipulated in all the standard ways; natural, painted, stained, and carved.

PVC - these curtains provide less privacy due to having fewer strands. They are typically hollow shapes.

Glass - more expensive than many other types but being true glass they also add the dimension of sound in addition to visual beauty. Be warned they are more fragile so walking through these curtains often can damage them. They are best when used in low traffic locations and not touched often. Due to their reflective nature they provide the best opportunity for scattering light across a room.

You can learn more about the construction and care of beaded curtains on the Curtains Review site. This is the companion site to wicker furniture review.

Hardwood Floor Options for Your Home

Hardwood floors are all the rage with homebuyers and those looking to remodel rooms with other less durable, tough, or natural flooring materials. Many different looks and types of hardwood floors are available today. Depending on your budget, there is a hardwood floor product for you. Make a trip to your local home center store to see firsthand the different options available. If you're not the weekend handyman type ask for preferred installation contractors at the home center.Here are some handy tips and hints.

-Solid hardwood floors come in three varieties. Strip floors; this is the most common. Plank floors, random widths give any home a rustic, colonial, or country look. Parquet are short wood pieces glued to backing on 12 inch square tiles. Solid hardwood floors can be sanded up to three times in their lifetime. -Common hardwoods and softwood used are; birch, beech,maple,oak, red oak, pine, fir, and cherry.

-Laminated hardwood floors are not the same as solid. A thin layer or veneer is bonded to another less expensive wood, and typically pre-finished with both stain and sealer. The down side is these types of floors can't be sanded and refinished.

-Bamboo floors are becoming more and more popular. Considered green-building-friendly, they are an easy-to-replenish species. Bamboo floors are more flexible than oak and maple. One downside is that it does stain more easily. Make sure that you apply an extra two coats of sealer.

-All wood flooring should be placed in the space where it is to be installed for a couple of days to acclimate the wood to the heat and humidity level in the space.

-All wood floors need to be applied or float over concrete or supporting floor joists. Sub-floors are a must for slab concrete installations. Wood floors should be installed perpendicular to floor joists.

-Squeaks in hardwood floors can be daunting to find and fix. Squeaks occur when a board works loose and rubs against another board or against the subfloor. Hire a professional to fix squeaks and you'll get it done right the first time.

-Wood floors can be easily cleaned using a product such as Murphy's Oil Soap once a week. Be sure you don't wax wood floors that have been sealed with any polyurethane product.

Mark Nash is the author of Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional, Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate, Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing, and 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. His tried and true real estate tips has been featured on Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today. Purchase his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com

A Guide to Antique Bird Cages

It has been said that everything old is new again. So it is with bird cages. Antique bird cages are a popular addition to many houses and apartments. They fit in with many styles of decorating, including Victorian and shabby chic. Chinese antique bird cages are available for an Eastern flair.

If you are buying an actual antique, prepare to pay a hefty price. Be on the lookout, though, at garage sales and flea markets. Sometimes you can find an undiscovered treasure for mere pennies. More likely, though, you will have to pay.

Ebay is one place to check for antique bird cages. Before spending a large amount of money, make sure that your seller is reputable. One way to ensure this is to only buy from sellers with positive feedback.

Though authentic antique cages are pleasing to the eye, they are not the best home for your bird. Many antique bird cages are treated with chemicals or paints that can be toxic to your bird. If you buy a true antique, use it for decorative purposes only.

If you desire the look of antiques without the price tag, reproductions are also available. Replica antique bird cages often maintain the look and style of the original, but at a fraction of the cost. Victorian reproductions are especially popular. Select Home D?cor is one source for reproductions. Department stores, home d?cor stores, and some home improvement stores also sell faux antique bird cages.

Bird Cages Info provides detailed information in decorative, large, custom, acrylic, antique, wooden, and discount bird cages sale, as well as covers and stands. Bird Cages Info is the sister site of Dog Beds Web.

Modern Rugs Add Color Texture Interest and Space Definition To Your Room

Modern Design is sleek, stark, and spacious with angular and geometric lines. As the look for contemporary design is escalating so is the demand for modern home d?cor accessories. Modern area rugs can add color, texture, interest, and space definition to your decor. In the past, customers, who desired modern rugs, found it difficult to find one that fitted their requirements. However, today a growing number of rug companies are manufacturing modern rugs and more stores are in turn stocking modern rug designs. Fortunately, the buyer is not just restricted to jaded colors with abstract patterns. Today, modern rugs range from solid color modern rugs, stripes modern rugs, circle modern rugs, animal print modern rugs and many more. Additionally, a vide variety of modern rugs are replicated from famous artist?s paintings.

A number of rug manufacturers are producing rug designs with a central focus on modern rug design. Foreign Accents rug collection has been cited as the importer, who sets the trends in modern rugs offering modern rugs that are directed towards both the price conscious customer as well as the high-end market. These modern rugs have been richly rewarded ?Best New Product? award - three times at the New York and Home Textiles Show. Exquisite Rugs carries the entire Foreign Accent modern rugs collection ranging from machine made modern rugs to hand tufted modern rugs and hand knotted modern rugs.

MOMENI RUGS , which has appropriately been recognized time and time again with America's Magnificent Carpet Award offers an array of modern rug collection. Many of these modern rugs are inspired by twentieth century decorative arts, 1910's Vienna scession, 1930's Art Deco and 1950's Abstract Expressionism. Momeni modern rugs have a variety of modern rug designs in hand made 100% wool construction. Some of these modern rugs are hand carved giving these rugs an interesting texture. Exquisite Rugs stocks these highly popular modern rugs that are a must buy for contemporary design enthusiasts.

Contemporary style is simple and refined using color schemes for their effect rather than their coordination. Use solid color rugs with interesting textures and patterns to complement other furniture and accessory pieces. These solid palette modern rugs depict clean lines and style in a contemporary look that is today. These modern rugs complement high-end contemporary or casual setting and are hand made in India from quality Indian and fine New Zealand wool.

The metro modern rug collection with its minimalist forms and exquisitely refined details is fresh and appealing. These modern rugs with their neutral base colors, tone on tone designs and slight trace of color are a hit with interior designers and customers alike. The underlying simplicity of line, shape, and form makes them hot sellers.

The modern rugs offered by Exquisite Rugs exhibit structure, proportion and preferences for geometric shapes and intense color.

Tasneem Mirza is the Managing Partner of Exquisite Rugs LLC. and member of AWBA, NJWBA and Beta Gamma Alpha- honors society for business students. Under the leadership of Tasneem Mirza, Exquisite Rugs launched in April 2002 has gained increased recognition. Tasneem Mirza has indebt knowledge of the rug industry. For questions related to rugs or Exquisite Rugs products please feel free to contact her at http://www.exquisiterugs.com

7 Budget Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Despite what you may read in the trendiest kitchen design magazines, updating the look of your kitchen really does not require that your spend a lot of time and money. There are some simple and inexpensive ways to give your kitchen a brand new look.

Some small change here and there that you can make in your kitchen can still create a big effect on how your kitchen looks. You can get ideas about what you would like incorporate into your kitchen decorating and remodeling project from books, magazines, and internet sites dealing with kitchen design ideas.

There are 7 relatively low cost kitchen-decorating ideas to create a beautiful kitchen:

1. Replacing the cabinet doors and fronts. Then you can reface the remaining fixtures. This will greatly change the whole look and feel of your kitchen.

2. Painting your cabinets white and changing the hardware, such as knobs, handles, or pulls.

3. Using solid core MFD doors, which are medium density fiberboard or timber. They can be fitted to a solid door base. This type of door can be painted to create any look you may want.

4. Using color to renovate the kitchen is another example of inexpensive kitchen decorating. You can paint your walls and cabinets. When it comes to painting your existing cabinetry, you can use decorative finishes. Some examples are creating a distressed finish to add an aged look, and faux and glazed finishes. These are all simple to do and cost effective.

5. Another area of the kitchen you can easily update is the faucet and sink. It is possible to locate moderately priced sinks that can cost from $50 $300. They are also available in many colors, and styles. Porcelain, stainless steel, and acrylic are the materials that are available for sinks. For faucets, you will find that they are available in many styles and finishes, and depending on the type of faucet can range in price from $50 to$750.

6. Another great affordable idea in kitchen decorating is to add a kitchen island. Kitchen islands are great for adding more counter space to the kitchen and provide a gathering place. If you do not have enough money or space to add a permanent kitchen island, but would like to have the advantages of one, you might consider as an alternative getting a kitchen cart. A kitchen cart can have wheels for rolling around, as well as have drawers, shelves, and places to hang utensils. Because they are on wheels they can be cleared out the way.

7. If your kitchen-decorating budget is so small that you can only afford to remodel a small area of your kitchen you might consider adding a kitchen backsplash. A new kitchen backsplash can really dress up a drab, uninspiring kitchen. Kitchen backsplashes are available in so many different styles, colors, and materials. The materials used for backsplashes can include, wood, porcelain, natural stone, glass, stainless steel, and even wallpaper. The costs vary depending on the material you select.

So you can see that redecorating your kitchen can be a simple thing like changing the hardware on your existing cabinetry or painting the walls. Just one small change can do a lot to make your kitchen look brand new.

James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.

Choosing Birthday Party Supplies and Theme Packages

Birthday party supplies are available in a most sensible bundle.. the birthday party theme package. These are ideal for a parent who is endeavoring to make their child?s party special. Many parents aren?t aware of these packages and don?t know where to begin when it comes to selecting one. But when armed with just a little knowledge, you can select just the right package to make your child?s birthday very special and colorful.

Birthday party theme packages are composed of all of the supplies necessary for a total child?s party. They are typically based on parties of 8 and include: table cloth, napkins, plates, party hats, party cups, streamers, as well as invitations and thank you notes. Birthday party theme packages are not only complete; they are very colorful and vibrant. With today?s printing capabilities, the level of quality is quite high.

The variety of theme packages is massive and includes everything from Power Rangers to the Cabbage Patch and even the entire Batman series with everything in between. Gender is one of the first characteristics people reach for when picking a party supplies package. It is a good one to use. There are fine selections for boys such as: King Kong, Bob the Builder and the Fantastic Four. Young ladies would enjoy packages like: Barbie?s Celebration, Bratz Fashion or the Disney Belle theme package. There is also a wealth of party supplies packages based on academic topics. Examples include: Curious George, Rescue Team and World Safari. There are also theme packages which closely reflect popular cartoon and movie characters. Ones such as the Harry Potter series and Sponge Bob exhibit this group. If there is a movie your child has recently seen in the theatre or a cartoon he or she catches on Saturday morning, it is a virtual certainty there is a party supplies package built around it.

Obtaining a theme package is as simple as firing up your browser and navigating to a web site dedicated to birthday party supplies packages. These sites have evolved nicely and are well organized and easy to browse. With just a little consideration of your child?s tastes, you can have a bundled set of birthday party supplies delivered to your door just in time for your child?s special day.

birthday party supplies online

Blown Egg Christmas Baubles

This is a cracking Christmas decoration idea. I just know your going to get eggsited by this one. Okay, Less of the foul yokes! But seriously eggs make wonderful Christmas tree baubles.

All you need is... Some eggs, gift-wrap, ribbon, paint, some wire, glitter and other odds and ends for decoration. First take your egg in one hand and a darning needle in the other. Hold the egg firmly in your hand and push the needle into the centre of the wide bit, at the bottom of the egg. Once the needle is through, wiggle the needle about a bit to make the whole a bit bigger. Now turn the egg around and make another hole in the top of the egg, again wiggle the needle.

Then with a dish underneath to catch the insides of the egg, blow very hard into one end of the egg, and blow the egg out. DO NOT SUCK! This is very bad.

There are concerns that you can contract salmonella from raw eggs. If you are worried about this you could use a medicine syringe to force air through the eggshell.

Remember not to let the egg go to waste. Make scrabbled egg for your dog or use them to bake some cakes.

Once the eggshell is empty give it a good wash out with disinfectant and leave it to dry overnight. Stand it in an eggcup so any excess water can run out freely.

Give your eggshell a coat of paint. Metallic is nice and festive. Leave the paint to dry.

You need to make an egg threader with a piece of wire, which is about twice the length of the egg. Turn the end over and down to form an 'eye' like you would find on a needle. Wrap some selotape around the turn down bit of wire and the main stem of wire.

Get a length of gift-wrap ribbon, which is roughly 4 or 5 times as long as the egg. Fold it in half and tie a knot in the ribbon about 2cm down, forming the loop for hanging the egg on the Christmas tree.

Insert the threader tool into the tool at the top of the egg and out through the bottom of the egg leaving the eye resting on the top of the egg. Tread the two ends of the ribbon through the eye of the egg threader tool. Gently pull the threader tool and the ribbon through the egg, so that the loop knot you made rests on the top of the egg, and the gift-wrap ribbon dangles out from the bottom of the egg. Tie a knot in these ribbons so that the knot sits at the base of the egg. Tie another length of ribbon to these ribbons at the knot. Pull all the ribbons over a pencil to make the ribbons curl.

Stick a small image from a Christmas card or gift wrapping paper on the side of the egg or create a motif with sequins or other bits and bobs.

Finally, using PVA glue, stick some glitter on to the egg to make it sparkle.

Treat the egg bauble like a glass bauble, pack it away carefully and use it every year. If you don't want to use eggs, try Ping-Pong balls instead.

S. Roberts is one of Santa?s Helpers and writes for www.santaspostbag.co.uk a Christmas educational & activity website. For more home-made Christmas trimming ideas visit www.santaspostbag.co.uk/homemade-christmas-trimmings.html SantasPostbag is in association with www.bigboystoyz.com

Brighten & Illuminate your Holiday with Luminaries

Traditionally, luminaries are made from small paper bags with votive candles set inside. The inside will need to be weighted down with sand. I would say about 2 inches of sand. You then line walkways, driveways, mantels and even staircases.

They are absolutely gorgeous, yet simple and affordable. They can be used for any occasion or holiday, especially Halloween and Christmas.

If your tradition is to include your children on your holiday decorating, you may have them easily decorate the paper bags with drawings, holiday hole punches, or cut designs. You may use traditional brown bags, or bags in holiday colors. You can find them at party supply stores. As well, you may be able to find preprinted themed bags.

Place one to two inches of sand in the bottom of each paper bag. Nestle a tea light or votive candle into the center of the sand. If you are little bit leery about using wax candles, you may also use the electric votives.

These luminaries are also a beautiful touch to an outdoor wedding. You will want to make sure you use white paper sacks and design it in the same manner as mentioned above. I would even suggest placing beautiful glitter or shiny wedding decals on the outside.

When setting your luminaries out, make sure you have enough bags and sand to even line your walkway or driveway. I would also suggest placing the luminaries anywhere from 6 inches to 2 feet apart at equal intervals. With luminaries growing in popularity, you may even find plastic or ceramic containers for a lasting luminary fixture.

Written and compiled by Angel Lopez

Residing in the beautiful Menifee Valley, California And mother to two beautiful teenagers. She has Been selling home interiors and decorating for Several years before opening her business, The Aroma Shoppe, A fun and lively shop full of high quality aromatic and decorative products for the home and office. http://www.thearomashoppe.net aromangel66@yahoo.com

An Introduction To Pillows

Did you know that pillows have a long history? Pillows were a privilege enjoyed by the wealthy in ancient times. They?ve been found in Egyptian tombs and were elevated to an art form in China. With the Industrial Revolution, the pillow found its way into the common man?s home, and today, they account for 11% of all bedding sales.

What is a pillow made of? The pillow today could be made of foam, feathers, down, or synthetic fillers. This is encased in cloth which is sewed down, and each point is called a nib. The roundness of the crest is called the poof point. This goes into a pillowcase which sometimes has a zipper or buttons so it can be removed and laundered from time to time.

Pillows are meant to support the neck and head. It should not be too high or too firm in which case, you might end up with lower back pain. Then again, if it is too flat, you might just get a pain in the neck! So it is important that your pillow is just right for you and follows the natural curve of your neck.

There are so many kinds of pillows available today. Body pillows, which are very long, give support to the head down to the knees and legs. Travel pillows with their unique ?U? shape fit around the head and prevent slipping. Neck pillows, also called cervical pillows have a depression for the neck to keep it aligned well. There are donut pillows designed to alleviate trouble with the tailbone, lumbar pillows for the lower back, nursing pillows for infants and even husband pillows to relax against on your couch.

Pillows usually come in two conventional sizes ? Oxford, which is 20?x30,?or continental, which is 26?x26?. And they could cost anything from $5 to $40! Just remember, pillows are great at collecting dust and microbes and could be harmful to the allergy-prone. So not getting too attached to your pillow and changing it often is the sensible thing to do.

Pillows provides detailed information on Pillows, Decorative Pillows, Down Pillows, Memory Foam Pillows and more. Pillows is affiliated with Adjustable Air Bed.

Choosing a Feng Shui Consultant: 8 Tips Help You Select the Right One for You

Have you considered having a feng shui consultation but you just didn?t know where to start or what to expect from a feng shui consultant? It?s hard to know how to choose or what makes a consultant qualified. Feng shui is a fascinating field and draws to it very interesting, and often very nice, people. But are they really qualified and do they know their stuff?

This is Personal
Many people seek feng shui help when they are looking for help with very personal issues that range from romantic difficulties, to health problems, to money concerns. That makes choosing a qualified feng shui consultant even more important. When you choose a consultant, you are opening up your home to this person?s influence, so you want to be able to trust that the information from this consultant is trustworthy, accurate, and supports your personal goals.

The Genuine Article
Finding someone who is knowledgeable and trained is a first step when you?re looking for a feng shui consultant. Considering that you are looking to bring about a shift in your life, it is worth taking the time ? and the expense ? to find someone who will give you your money?s worth.

Be aware that many practitioners do not make the time or investment in their training. Those that do, often expect, and rightly deserve, higher fees. In particular, traditional Chinese feng shui takes time and training in order to practice it effectively. Be wary of anyone who has only performed personal study; that is, read a couple of books and then hung up their shingle.

So, consider choosing well and wisely when selecting a feng shui consultant. The tips below will help guide you in finding the right one for you.

8 Tips Help You Choose a Feng Shui Consultant

1. Consider the type of feng shui practiced.
You should always ask what school of feng shui the consultant follows. If it is one you are comfortable with, i.e., traditional or western, that will probably be the one you should go with. I personally prefer traditional feng shui because this is the ?original? feng shui that has evolved over the past 5,000 years.

2. Level of education.
The next critical question is ?Where did you learn feng shui and from whom?? You will want someone to have attended a certifying class from a reputable teacher or master.

3. How long has the consultant been in practice?
Just so that you are informed, it is important that you know how long a consultant has been practicing. If the consultant is a novice, you should expect fees that are relative to the level of experience. Likewise, if the consultant is very experienced, you should expect a higher fee.

4. What do their clients say?
Testimonials are a great way to get a feel for what a consultant will do. Friends who refer you to a consultant are a wonderful way to choose a consultant with confidence. Get references or testimonials from the consultant's clients.

5. Have they asked for your floor plans, birthdates, and possible directions?
If so, you have someone who knows their ?feng shui stuff.? This is someone who most likely practices traditional feng shui and will take an objective approach to your space. If the consultant comes into your home and points at the figurine of the poodle on your piano and tells you that is the source of your problems, then end the session. You should expect to recieve a well-thought out and thorough analysis of the whole house.

6. What does a ?consultation? consist of?
Sometimes, it is better to consider what a consultation doesn?t do, than what it does. For instance, you might get advice on location of certain elements, but a feng shui consultation is not an interior design consultation. You should not expect for your home or office style to be critiqued. This is not the purpose of a consultation.

The consultant should advise you on the orientation of your home, the environmental impacts (such as hills, trees, water flow, etc.). Your consultation is not about how much intention you place on improving your home, it is an assessment of your space and the placement of important rooms, such as bedrooms, living room, bathrooms, kitchen, etc. Colors, design, and other aspects are still a part of the consultation, but they are secondary to the actual layout and orientation.

This basic assessment is then factored in with your personal feng shui based on your date of birth, and also, possibly, flying star feng shui that locates the water and relationship stars ? the location of critical energies ? that provide the greatest benefits.

Lastly, you should be told up front what you should expect to receive following and/or during the consultation. Will the consultant tell you then and there what should be changed or enhanced? Or, will the consultant send you a report that outlines the various strengths, weaknesses, and impact of your space? Know before you commit to an appointment.

7. How much will the consultation cost?
Consultations vary. However, if you have a smaller home, you should not pay an exorbitant amount. In my opinion, the size of home or office should be relative to the cost. If you have a 7,000 square foot home, you should expect a higher fee than someone in a 2,000 square foot home.

8. Is your consultant successful?
Feng shui consultants are giving you financial, relationship, and career advice. They should be successful in these areas, too. Think about it?you wouldn?t go to an athletic trainer who was grossly overweight and out shape and expect to get good advice about exercise. So, if your consultant drives up in a beaten up car and lives in a tiny shack, you probably won?t feel confident that this person will be able to tell you how to improve your wealth or business opportunities. Select with care.

If you're ready to move ahead in your life, find out what's holding you back by having your own feng shui consultation.

Feng shui is more than a technique for enhancing your home. It is a valuable DIAGNOSTIC TOOL that can help you see where your home could use help or help you to understand WHY you feel the way you do in your home or office. Schedule a consultation and find out HOW your home is affecting your life.

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter feng shui e-zine and is dedicated to helping her readers develop successful, prosperous, and supportive environments with feng shui. To subscribe, logon to www.redlotusletter.com and receive this special report Fr*ee 16 Feng Shui Secrets for Greater Prosperity.

kweber@redlotusconsulting.com