Monday, May 31, 2010

A Guide To Duct Tape

Duct Tape is a fabric based, adhesive material mainly used for sealing joints in sheet metal ductwork. This cloth tape, an indispensable item in tool kits, has polyethylene resin coatings on one side and a rubber based sticking material on the other side. Duct tape is nickname ‘the ultimate material’ because of its high holding power and versatility.

Duct tape originated in 1942, during World War II. Permacel, a former division of Johnson and Johnson Company, invented the tape as a waterproof material to seal ammunition cases. The tape, initially made from cotton duck, was also used to repair various military equipment including guns, aircrafts, and jeeps. After the war, the color of the tape changed from its original olive green to silver and the material was found very useful in the housing industry. As a result, the demand of this adhesive material increased great deal and it was made available to the public under the name duct tape.

Before the final product is made available, duct tape undergoes a serious of processes, which include adhesive compounding, adhesive application, coating, respooling and slitting, and packaging. Once the manufacturing processes are over, the duct tape is checked for quality as per the directions of the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Duct tape is available in a variety of colors, of which the most common are silver and black. This malleable and soft material usually has a width of 1.88 inches. Duct tape comes in various grades, which differ in the tensile strengths. The application varies as the grade varies. Commercial grade tapes are classified into utility, general purpose, and premium grades. There are specialty grades, which include nuclear tape for reactors and a ‘200-mile-an-hour’ tape for racecars.

The Quick And Easy Formula For Hammock Buying

Here’s really simple way to buy your next hammock and make sure that you don’t get ripped off in the process. Hammocks bring back memories of lazy days spent in beach nations where time seems to stand still. This is our memory too- don’t worry- we’ve clearly been to the same destinations (and boy, we can’t wait to get back to Jamaica!). We are going to run through a three point system we use to make sure you get the best deal you can when shopping for a new hammock. Let’s start with a few places for you to check out when you are shopping that you might not think would carry an exotic item like a Hammock.

1)Check out camping stores. You might not think a place like REI would have hammocks, but they do. Nice ones. Lots of them. I do not work for REI nor am I associated with them in any way. However, I’ve shopped there a few times over the last 10 years. I’ve been overwhelmingly impressed with their selection of camping items and general supplies. They always have new stuff at decent prices. What I didn’t know is that a hammock must be a fairly popular camping item because REI (at least the one I went into) stocks them. I suppose some campers must like to use them after a hard day of mountaineering. This is great for you if you only need one for your home. Check out camping stores near you.

2)Compare prices and use Ebay. I love Ebay for more reasons than I can count. One of the best features of Ebay is the fact that I can readily compare prices of hammocks (and everything else from used fuzzy dice to camera phones) and then make my decision. If nothing else, use Ebay as the first stop in your research process to get a feel for what is selling for how much and what general range of prices you should be looking for when you finally do make a purchasing decision. Just take a look through their listings tonight, there are people from all over the world selling hammocks at good prices. If you are going to actually buy a hammock, just make sure the seller has plenty of positive feedback. It’s a great insurance policy.

3)This is the most important part of the hammock buying process. Without knowing the quality of the hammock you are investing in, there is not way of knowing whether not its going to last or whether its going to be comfortable. Not all hammocks are created equally to say the least. In fact, this is an understatement. The old adage of “you get what you pay for” is equally as valid today as it was at the turn of the (20th) century.
To give you an idea, we recently went on a trip to the Caribbean. There were $20 hammocks available at very low prices everywhere we looked. However, a quick quality check of these revealed them to be of a lower quality (and therefore wouldn’t be the most comfortable of thing to use in a few years after they wore out).

Hammocks vary in quality from the superb to the dismal. Ask anyone who has ever bought substandard hammock what the difference is and you really will get an earful. You must know what to look for to get the most comfortable hammock available at the best price.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

The Pride Luxury Line

Over the past 20 years there have been many changes around the world. We have seen the destruction of the Berlin Wall, the connection of millions through the internet, and the boom and bust of the dot com bubble. There have also been tremendous changes and advancements in the home mobility equipment industry which has greatly benefited those who are, or those who take care of people who are, mobility challenged. One company that has helped to lead the charge in refining and developing medical technology is Pride Mobility Products Corporation. They have devoted millions to researching, engineering, and testing home mobility equipment with the customer's well being at the center of their heart. No product leaves their doors with out being fully inspected and evaluated One of the areas that they have helped to spear head is the lift chair industry and they have several well known and quality lines of lift chairs that are suited to fit the needs of millions of Americans.

One of Pride Mobility's most deluxe lines of lift chairs is the Luxury Line. There are over 20 chairs in the Luxury Line. All of the chairs in the Pride Luxury Line incorporate a state of the art lifting system with an elegant and well built hardwood frame. Most include a lifetime warranty on the steel lift frame, and a 7 year warranty on the rest of the mechanical parts. The luxury line incorporates an environmentally friendly foam that uses very little petroleum in its production. The use of this foam in no way degrades the sitting experience and actually greatly improves it because it is so comfortable. The chair itself is flame retardant and can withstand contact with an open flame for up to 12 seconds. Depending on the model they have a seat width of 18 inches to 26 inches and can support between 300 and 375 pounds.

There are many different lift chairs in the Luxury Line that offer special added features. The Pride LL-670 Lift Chair Bed includes a mattress that is designed to fit on top of the lift chair making it much more comfortable to sleep. The Pride LL-571 has flip open armrests that offer drink holders as well as a place to store things like remotes and books. Another model with functionality and comfort in mind is the PMR-570T. This chair has removable armrests that make transfer into and out of the chair much easier. All of the models offer superior comfort and quality.

The lift chairs manufactured by Pride Mobility Products are some of the finest in the industry. They are all designed with comfort and usability in mind. The Luxury Line goes one step farther and establishes an incredibly high standard that is used as a benchmark for other companies in the home mobility equipment industry. With all the added features and luxuries it would be easy to think that a lift chair in the Luxury Line was very expensive, but this is not the case at all. The Luxury Line is very well priced and offers comfort that can not be matched.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

The Power of the Unconscious Mind - one of the secrets to easier childbirth

Copyright 2006 Lisabeth Protherough

One of the best ways I know to give a massive boost to your ability to learn new things, and then to put into practice what you have learned, is to leverage the immense power of your unconscious mind. This applies in any area of learning, whether academic or practical. Pregnancy and childbirth is a key area where women hold negative beliefs that do not serve them. They so often associate it with pain, difficulty, medical complications, as well as with the joy of the baby at the end of it all. Yet.......this can be changed to make the whole experience of pregnancy and childbirth positive and harmonious.

‘The thinking process is unconscious. We become aware of the results consciously. All change takes place at the unconscious level. We become aware of the change consciously when we are ready.’ Joseph O’Connor

What on earth does this mean???

Well, read on ……

Roughly two million bits of information per second come into the human nervous system. We are literally bombarded with information. To maintain sanity, our conscious mind filters out most of the stimuli and Miller (1956) discovered we can consciously handle only seven plus or minus two bits of information at a time.

The unconscious mind deals with everything else over and above the seven (plus or minus two) bits of information that you are not consciously paying attention to at a particular time. As soon as we switch our attention to something, then it becomes conscious. Some parts of your physiology will always be unconscious. This should not surprise us really. Our unconscious mind takes care of us all the time! We do not run our heart, lungs, kidneys, immune system etc… consciously do we?

I want to show you how to bypass the conscious mind in order to access the immense powers of your unconscious mind. The unconscious mind is around 90% of your total mind power as opposed to the 10% of the mind that you usually use in your normal daily waking state. The unconscious mind is a source of great treasure - of skill, of memory and experience.

Many people however, are in the habit of negative thinking - of dwelling on problem areas in their life by repeating exactly what they do not wish to happen. This often ends up compounding the original problems and making them even worse. For example, a Mother to be might keep on saying to herself:

"I’m scared of what will happen in childbirth".

Or: "Everything I’ve heard about childbirth says it will hurt a lot".

Or: "I simply won’t be able to take the pain".

The woman who constantly repeats these negative thoughts, either consciously or unconsciously, will be much less likely to have an easy or harmonious childbirth experience.

Underlying almost every negative emotion is a thought or belief, and most often these are unhealthy thoughts or beliefs. By unhealthy I mean they are not effective in getting you what you want in your life. They don’t serve you.

The belief (often unconscious) is like a trigger. It sets you up to be fearful and to fail in certain situations.

Remember this! If you do not THINK and fill your head with positive thoughts and beliefs, then negative ones will always come in to fill the gaps.

Please NEVER, ever, ever, ever underestimate your own ability to create positive thoughts, which serve you. It is never a question of can you do something. The real question is will you?

The power of positive thinking can be significantly enhanced and reinforced by the use of affirmations. An affirmation is a short statement in the present tense repeated frequently to impress itself onto and be accepted by the unconscious mind. The ideal affirmation must be short and totally unambiguous. This is very important, as the unconscious mind cannot easily assimilate long or complex statements. The unconscious mind is much more easily influenced by short, appropriately worded statements.

In the examples above, the woman was repeating the negative affirmations in her head. She should instead replace them with the equivalent positive affirmations. Such as:

"I know I will be confident and strong when I give birth to my baby".

Or: "Childbirth is natural and normal, and my body is designed for it".

Or: "The contractions are there for a reason - to help me give birth to my baby".

This might well seem difficult to do, particularly if you currently feel that reality is totally the opposite. However, believe me, like most things, it is just a question of practice.

Where attention goes, energy flows! You become what you think about most of the time.

The more often an affirmation is repeated, consciously or otherwise, the more quickly and effectively it will become real. But do take care because this works just as effectively for both positive and negative affirmations. An excellent time to repeat positive affirmations is just before drifting off to sleep at night or just after waking in the morning before you get up. At these times your conscious mind communicates best with your unconscious mind. If you can repeat the affirmations throughout the day and even write them down and place copies around your home, so much the better.

An even more powerful possibility exists as an alternative to affirmations that are stated aloud or within the mind. This is the power of "Subliminal messages".

The power of subliminal messages has been proven over many years to be a highly effective way of programming the unconscious mind by using either audio or visual methods. In fact, subliminal messages are so powerful in the way they work on the unconscious mind, that in 1974 the US government banned all forms of subliminal message advertising on radio and television.

Subliminal messages reach the unconscious mind by working at a level that cannot be detected by the conscious mind. The conscious mind therefore never has an opportunity to reject them and the unconscious mind can receive and act upon them.

There are two main ways of using subliminal messages in a most powerful way - visual and audio.

Visual subliminal messages are affirmations that are flashed before the eyes so quickly that the conscious mind cannot perceive them. The affirmations therefore go directly to the unconscious mind, which perceives and acts upon them immediately.

Audio subliminal messages work in a similar way by being played at a frequency that is just above the normal threshold of human hearing. Again, as with visual subliminal messages, although the conscious mind cannot perceive these affirmations, the all-powerful unconscious mind can perceive them, and will therefore immediately act upon them.

Both audio and visual subliminal messages are extremely powerful in accessing the enormous potential of the unconscious mind.

Once you understand the power of the unconscious mind and start to harness it, you can literally re-programme your mind to eradicate fears and become confident and positive about the childbirth experience that you will have. This is true even if you have had a poor experience of childbirth in the past.

Friday, May 28, 2010

The Perfect Party Favor

Throwing a perfect party is a hard task to accomplish. There are parties thrown every day by a variety of people for countless reasons. Whether the party is to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or the coming of a new baby, there are some elements that almost all parties hold in common. The giving of a party favor to each of the guests is no exception.

I have no idea when or why the idea of giving a party favor to each party guest began, but I think that it is one of the most important things to keep in mind when planning a party that people will remember. Why? It's simple. Everyone loves receiving gifts. So naturally, giving a party favor to your guests will help them to set your party apart from all of the other parties they attend. And we all know that there are enough parties to attends these days that something really unique has to happen or be given in order to make a party more than just okay.

I will offer a few small suggestions to help you in finding and giving the right party favor to your guests. A good rule of thumb is to never give a gift to someone that you wouldn't enjoy and use yourself. Are you tired of all the smelly samples of lotion and bubble bath? If so, don't try to give them to your friends as a party favor because they probably will not like it either. Before purchasing any party favor take a moment to consider how you would feel when receiving that same gift.

A great party favor should be something unique. A unique party favor can be based on the theme of your party if there is one. For example, if you are throwing a beach themed party, consider giving little baskets with sun tanning lotion and a gift certificate for sun tanning minutes at a local tanning salon. Or consider giving each guest a set of personalized stationary with a fancy pen. Another way to choose a unique party favor is to think about the person you are throwing the party for. If she loves photography you can give each guest a small photo album and a roll of film as a party favor. Throw in a coupon for free film developing to make the party favor even more unique.

Giving the perfect party favor to your guests should be easy and fun. Keep in mind the things you like, keep in mind the theme of the party and the person you are throwing the party for. Then simply be creative. Decide on a party favor that you have never seen given before and wrap your favors in a unique way. Your guests will remember your party for ages after they receive the creative party favor you give.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Perfect Gift is Just a Stitch Away

When it's time to buy a gift for family and friends, the possibilities are endless but, unfortunately, your funds are not. When budgets are tight, there is one thing you can do to make a gift memorable yet inexpensive. Personalize it.

There are thousands of options available to make your gift one-of-a-kind - with the help of a sewing machine. Contrary to what you might think, you don't even have to be a sewing pro.

With the holidays fast approaching, you have the opportunity to turn ordinary, off-the-shelf items, such as towels and pillowcases, into customized gifts that will be appreciated for years. Initials, decorative flowers and shapes make even the simplest items seem posh.

Need a quick gift for the newlyweds or new homeowners? Stitching their initials in the corner (or even just the first letter of their last name) on inexpensive hand towels makes your gift comparable to the items in expensive home decorating catalogs.

While most retail monogrammed items are created with expensive embroidery machines, the same effect can be achieved with monogramming and decorative stitches on a standard home sewing machine.

Other projects such as handmade wine bottle covers and gift bags require a little more sewing expertise, but make a simple gift seem much more unique.

Make a few at a time and store them for last-minute hostess gifts. They can be made with small amounts of fabric and can be as simple or ornate as you like.

Do you have finicky teen-agers in your household? If so, you know they are always looking for the hottest new trend. Why not purchase a plain pair of jeans and turn them into fashionable attire by adding delicate patterns to the waistband or cuffs? A few swift stitches will give everyday jeans instant style and personality.

For those of us who don't have the time to venture through piles of patterns at the local fabric store, Janome.com has innovative patterns and projects for every sewing level. There's even an embroidery-only machine. From handmade holiday stockings to sweet teddy bears for children, there is an idea for everyone on your list. All it takes is a little imagination.

For more projects, techniques and inspiration, flip through Janome Digest Magazine. It's published quarterly and available by subscription. - NU

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Vertical Wheelchair Lifts

It is a sad reality that people do not appreciate what they have, and only realize its worth when they lost it. The same goes with our mobility and independence. We, able bodied individuals, perform our daily activities without having to struggle or exert too much effort. Lucky for us, I guess. But for those with limited mobility and freedom, like the elderly and the physically challenged, each activity, even the simplest one, can mean a very big challenge or struggle for them to face.

For those who are confined in the seats of their wheelchairs, climbing the stairs is definitely out of the picture. So, how do they transfer up and down to different floor levels?

Establishments should accommodate guests with impaired physical mobility since this is mandated by law. This is basically the reason behind the existence of elevators and ramps in their buildings. And lately, vertical platform lifts have become available for individuals who move about with their wheelchairs.

There are many types of vertical platform lifts (a.k.a. wheelchair lifts) that can be installed in a property, whether public institutions or residential homes, to assist a person mounted on a wheelchair overcome a few steps or other similar perpendicular barriers.

The powered device has a stage or platform that perfectly fits a wheelchair. The platform is enclosed with walls to prevent the contained wheelchair from stirring while the lift is ascending or descending.

Some countries, like the United States of America, regulate the utilization of vertical platform lifts by setting benchmarks for these devices.

One solid example of a vertical platform lift is the Atlas Vertical Platform Lift introduced by AmeriGlide. This sturdy device makes use of an electric drive system that ensures a reliable and safe operation for its eventual users. This lift can be best used for both outdoor and indoor applications, and for both private and public properties.

The Ameriglide Atlas lift is designed for easy installation and includes everything needed to provide easy access to your residence or business.

For safety purposes, this lift features automatic dual safety ramps on its platform and a safety sensor. Moreover, it has a manual emergency brake to lower/raise the device in case the drive system fails. The AmeriGlide Atlas Vertical Platform Lift is specially designed to abide by the lawful requirements of most safety code in installing and operating such device.

Installing a vertical platform lift is one great way to help wheelchair-bound individuals experience further liberty. When you plan of having one, make sure to confirm the quality standards of that model.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Vertical Platform Lifts in Homes

Vertical platform lifts are primarily used by individuals who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters. They are used to transport a mobility device and its rider up and down the stairs. They are often found in residential settings, but many businesses also use them. This includes places like churches and schools.

A vertical platform lift is designed to support the weight of a mobility device, such as a mobility scooter, and its rider. Most do not support less than 500 pounds and many can support as much as 750 pounds. In many cases a 2 people will ride the vertical platform lift at one time. This is common among husbands and wives, as well as caregivers. Some models are able to travel distances up to 12 feet.

Since most vertical platform lifts are intended for outside use they are water resistant and weather proof. Many also feature a battery backup to make sure that even if the power goes out that the device can still be used. If you intend to install the vertical platform lift in a public area or if you are worried about young children playing on it, it is a good idea to invest in a keyed lock. Most distributors can outfit the porch lifts with locks if they do not already come with one. They are controlled by use of either a set of call buttons or a remote control.

Vertical platform lifts are used by many millions of people. They are like having your own personal elevator and can also be used to transport goods up and down the stairs.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Vertical Platform Lifts in Church

Vertical Platform Lifts are like small scale elevators that connect areas of different elevation so that they are accessible to people in wheelchairs or those who are mobility challenged. One of the most common places to find these life saving devices is at church.

Many churches are in buildings that have been around for many years. Often times these buildings were not designed to be handicapped accessible. Usually new additions and entrances and exits have been updated and made to be easily accessible by those in wheel chairs, but this is not always the case. Often there are many parts of churches that can not be accessed if you are not able to walk or negotiate the stairs. People of all shapes, sizes, and age visit churches and this is why so many churches invest in wheelchair lifts. This guarantees that all members of the parish will be able to fully enjoy, participate in, and feel connected with the church.

One model of wheelchair lift that is particularly popular with churches is Ameriglide’s Portable Atlas lift. This lift is capable of holding over 500 pounds and can be moved. Since this lift is portable, it is easy to move it when it is not in use or to move it to a different set of steps. This makes it perfect to allow churchgoers access to the pulpit. These units are also keyed so that you can guarantee that it will not be misused.

Vertical platform lifts are found in churches nationwide and provide a great service for many different people. They allow people to get involved with church and stay involved with church throughout their whole life, and will open up new doors to all those who might have thought they were closed.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Vertical Platform Lifts Access Explained

Vertical platform lifts allow people to connect areas of different elevation throughout their home. In the residential environment these valuable devices are most often found at the entrance to the home. The front steps, especially in older homes, are often steep, narrow, and hard to navigate. A vertical platform lift or wheelchair lift, as it is often called, can bridge this gap and return the freedom you used to have when you were younger. Vertical platform lifts offer what is commonly referred to as either adjacent-access or straight-through access. The differences are explained below.

The type of access refers to the way a user will enter and exit the vertical platform lift. This is an important consideration that should be made before you purchase the lift because often it must be configured by the manufacturer. Adjacent-access is when you enter the vertical platform lift, turn (usually) 90 degrees to the left or right and exit the lift. This is similar to how you exit a car. Pretend that enter a cargo van by walking through the back door. When it comes time to exit the van you turn to your right and open the side door. This setup can save space.

Straight-through access as the name implies refers to when you enter the lift and exit it by moving in the same direction. Think of it like a bridge. You enter the bridge from one side and go straight across the bridge never changing direction to exit on the other side. This design takes up more space, but for many is a more natural way of entering and exiting the vertical platform lift.

Now that you have a good idea of the different types of access it is a good idea to take a look and see what will work best for you. If you are planning on using your vertical platform lift to traverse your exterior stairs and you have a narrow landing than you will probably want to get an adjacent-access vertical platform lift. If you are planning to get a vertical platform lift that will raise individuals onto a stage or pulpit than a straight-through access vertical platform lift is probably for you.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Vertical Platform Lifts: Accessories and add-ons

A Vertical Platform Lift is designed to allow those in wheelchairs or others who are mobility challenged to traverse the exterior stairs in their home. Vertical platform lifts are very similar to elevators in that they lift a square or rectangle platform straight up and down.

Depending on the model there are many accessories and options that may either be necessary to fit your particular needs, or may just make your life a little easier. Many of the options are specific to the actual lifting requirements of the user. For instance the required lifting height can, depending on the model, be customized to support distances over 12 feet.

Most vertical platform lifts have many built in safety features, but under certain conditions there are some extras that can be very useful. For instance, for those that will be using the platform lift without a wheelchair, or with a nurse, an extra grab rail can be added. If you are in a wheelchair, and depending on the lift height, it may be a good idea to get a locking full height door to ensure safety. If you live in an area of frequent power outages than battery backups are also available.

Remotes are another nice feature offered by many models. All units will, generally, have some sort of keyed directional pad. These are usually 1 directional in that there is one at the bottom to go up and one at the top to go down. For those that are using the lift on their own, or if multiple people will be using the lift it may be a good idea to get one or more remotes. The remotes are usually 2 directional so no matter where the lift is you can raise or lower it with the remote.

Whether you are getting a vertical platform lift for yourself or for someone you love, a qualified dealer can help you find the perfect vertical platform lift that will fit your individual needs.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Vertical Platform Lift Tips

Vertical lifts or wheelchair lifts are a great investment if you or someone you love is in a wheelchair or has trouble walking. They work like mini elevators and are used to overcome differences in height found in homes. Here are some things to consider when purchasing and installing your new vertical platform lift.

- It is probably a good idea to invest in a good set of lights to keep the vertical platform lift well lit. Some people get motion sensor lights that automatically cut on when they detect movement. This is great because you do not have to remember to leave the light on when you leave during the day, but return at night.

- If you are installing the vertical platform lift outside, then ensure that it is weather proof and also that its colors will fit your homes style. Many wheelchair lifts look very clean and elegant.

- Account for any added weight when you consider the weight requirements. You should consider expected weight gain, wheelchair weight, anyone that may be using the lift with you or by themselves, and keep in mind that you will probably use your wheelchair lift to take your shopping up with you.

- Check to see if your lift has a manual lowering mode. This is important to know so that if you loose power you are prepared. Many units have a battery backup available which may be a good idea if you are in an area that frequently looses power.

- If you are installing your wheelchair lift outside take measure to protect it from environmental damage. Things like branches that could potentially fall on your unit should be removed.

- Follow the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This usually takes only a few short minutes and will save you money and ensure that you have many years of quality service from your wheelchair lift.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

You: A "Chief Everything Officer"?

A new kind of CEO is sweeping the nation, but they're not high-powered business executives. The new CEOs are talented and efficient women and men who have the extraordinary ability to balance work, career, children and much more, yet still have time for themselves. AOL.com has dubbed them "Chief Everything Officers" and, with partner Dove, has created a new Web site that honors these dedicated individuals. And as we all struggle to juggle it all and find extra time in our day, the site also offers tips and information from leading experts, articles from Real Simple and All You as well as advice from the online community-to help transform regular people into CEOs.

Here are some tips from the new site, www.aol.com/ceo, which shares the secrets to living a CEO lifestyle:

Power It Up

The Internet is a great way to save money and precious time. Whether buying a gift through shopping sites such as AOL Shopping, consolidating your bills on finance sites such as AOL Bill Pay or signing up for online reminders so you never forget a birthday, the Internet is an essential way to maximize your time while helping you stay organized.

Clear the Clutter

Feng shui experts would agree that clutter in the house can produce clutter of the mind. Why not take a time-out and clean your closet as a way to bring more clarity to your life? Who knows, you might discover old treasures tucked away or items that could be used by a local charity.

Relax. Schedule Alone Time.

The best way to stay focused is to make sure you take a time-out for yourself, and the bathroom just might become your new sanctuary. Dove, the global beauty brand, recommends enjoying an evening shower, which is a great way for busy women to pamper themselves and ease into a restful night's sleep.

Reuse, Repurpose, Refresh

Some of the best timesaving and budget-conscious tricks can help you become a better family manager. Some ideas include using old newspapers to clean your windows (which works wonders), taking old coffee grinds and using them in your garden as compost or checking out cooking sites like AOL Food to discover ways to make one meal that can be altered into several different ones throughout the week.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Various Models Of Vacuum Cleaners

Gone are the days when vacuum cleaners were big, bulky and it was a chore in itself just to lug them from one room to the next. In fact, these days it is just the opposite. Vacuum cleaners have come such a long way that manufacturers have even invented models that do all of the work themselves with no manual labor required. How is that for convenient?

The most popular of the vacuum cleaners, which is the upright, features a pump located directly above the suction. Lightweight models are available in a variety of designs that allow vacuum cleaners to glide across the floor with ease. The handles are coated with non-slip material that allows the owner to easily hold onto the device while in use.

Canister vacuum cleaners feature a bag and the motor in a separate canister, which is usually connected to the vacuum cleaners with a hose that is attached just above the wheels. Again, these vacuum cleaners are available in lightweight designs that are more convenient than the heavier models of yesteryear.

Wet and/or dry vacuum cleaners are commonly used to clean up wet spills, but they can also handle dry dirt just as easily.

Robotic vacuum cleaners which, as the name implies, are operated by an internal robotic chip that guides the unit blindly until it bumps a chair, wall or table and is redirected another way. A robotic model is usually very small, which makes them lightweight, and are usually round in design.

Small handheld vacuum cleaners are commonly used to clean out automobiles or small areas of the home that a regular unit could not reach. These models are very lightweight and compact in their design, which makes them ideal for travel and automobile cleaning or for college students who are living in a dorm and have little space for their belongings.

Vacuum cleaners are commonly found in almost every retail store, both online and local, and are priced at $20.00 and up depending on the selected model. All new vacuum cleaners will be accompanied by a manufacturer’s warranty, which will generally cover defects related to material or workmanship. Most warranties will not cover misuse or the negligent operation of the unit, but will be very valuable should the cleaner fail to operate or develop a problem related to it’s configuration. Owners should retain all paperwork involved with the purchase of any new vacuum cleaners, including the original purchase receipt, the owner’s manual and other warranty papers.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Vancouver Florists – Make the day memorable

Flowers are available in plenty in Vancouver, Canada. Whether you want flowers for weddings, birthday parties, and corporate get-togethers Vancouver florists can offer you flowers and bouquets for any occasion. The choice of every individual is different so it is expected that everyone will have a different choice for the flowers, bouquets or gift items that they want to buy. Hence designing a custom bouquet or getting the choicest roses are specialties offered by florists in Vancouver. Let us check out some amazing wedding bouquets that you may want for a wedding.

The latest and most exotic bouquets that florists are creating in Vancouver are the botanical wedding bouquets. The specialties of these bouquets are that many different textures are used instead of the regular blooms and the bouquet is created from foliage. The creativity of Vancouver florists has reached a new plane and they are reducing their usage of the regular flowers and replacing them with a wide variety of foliage. These special bouquets are offered to customers if they are interested. Otherwise they can ask for the regular bouquets that the crafted florists of

Vancouver have been creating from time immemorial. I was just checking out the price of an exotic foliage bouquet and found the price in the range of $65. Before we find out the other products that are offered, I wanted to check out the kind of delivery that the florists offer. If you order for a flower in Vancouver, it is almost certain that you will get a same day delivery. Many of us order the bouquet the same day of the occasion. Although there is no problem in doing it, but it is a better idea to order a day in advance so that the florist can also have his choices of offering the best flowers.

The bouquets and flowers on most of the florist shape are amazing. They have a wide collection and offer Anniversary flowers, birthday flowers, buffet table flowers, Canada Day flowers, Christmas flowers and flowers for each and every other occasion. Sometime we will be at a loss to choose which one is the best, because all the flowers and bouquets are exceptionally good. A birthday bouquet can have an assortment of gerberas, freesia, alstroemeria and roses and will look good in any kind of vase. The price of this kind of bouquet is in the range of CA$40. You can order the bouquets online as most of the Vancouver florists have an online shopping cart in their portals. This makes it very easy to buy the products, because you don’t have to walk down to the florist shop and order.

Some of the florists also offer discounts on larger quantities and if you buy the flowers online. The choice is almost endless and you have to decide on the flowers and the bouquets that you want to buy. I checked out a florist who was offering free chocolates for buys above CA$50. Now, this was interesting and I bought my flowers from him. You can also check out for similar offers.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Vacuum Cleaners - How would we manage without them?

Vacuum cleaners are an absolute essential home appliance these days. We rely on our vacuum cleaner to help keep our homes free of dust and dirt; but how often do we go about our cleaning, without giving much thought to how efficient these machines really are?

Before electric vacuum cleaners were invented, home cleaning was a major task. Floors had to be cleaned with brushes, brooms and mops. Rugs and carpets had to be removed from the floor, hung up outdoors, and beaten to remove the dust. These methods involved a lot of time and effort, and also caused health complaints.

The early invention of non-electric floor cleaning devices made home cleaning easier. People started looking for ways to improve the efficiency of these machines, and all kinds of contraptions were invented. Throughout the 100-year history of electric vacuum cleaners, there have been many improvements. The first electric vacuums were produced in the early 1900's. In 1908, the Hoover Company built the first electric vacuum cleaner that used both a cloth filter bag and cleaning attachments. During the years that followed, many different models and designs were created, each varying in size, weight, suction power, and other features. Of all the designs however, the upright vacuum cleaner remained the most popular.

The latest upright vacuums available today make cleaning a lot easier. They are much lighter and versatile, and come in both bagged and bagless designs with handy tools to help remove dust from drapes, upholstery, and tricky, hard to reach places.

Owning a bagless vacuum means you don’t ever have to buy vacuum bags. When it comes to emptying the dirt container, it can be emptied straight into your garbage bin. You'd want to do this outside in the yard or on the street to prevent dust going back into your house. If you're an allergy sufferer, you're best to stay with a bagged unit. The dust remains in a sealed bag, and when full, it can easily be removed and disposed of.

There are many other types of vacuum cleaners available including the canister, the wet and dry vacuum, portable hand-held units, and robotic vacuum cleaners.

When buying a vacuum cleaner, it's important to choose the best vacuum to suit your home cleaning needs. You'll also want to think about what you have in your home. Do you have carpets and rugs, wooden floors, or perhaps a flight of stairs? Are you an allergy sufferer? Do you have pets indoors?

If you spend a bit extra on a vacuum cleaner with stronger suction, consider it a good investment. Vacuuming regularly with a powerful vacuum will remove grit from deep within your carpets, and prevent them from wearing out.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Using a Mobility Scooter Safely

A mobility scooter, or adult scooter, is used by people who have trouble walking. It allows them to freely and easily move around. Depending on the unit, some mobility scooters can travel much faster than a person could walk or run. This makes getting around much easier, but it is very important to ensure that you are very careful when using your mobility scooter.

While driving your mobility scooter it is imperative to be especially careful when crossing or driving on the road. Most commercially available mobility scooters are not street legal. Different states have different definitions of what is required to be street legal, but it typically requires that the vehicle include specific lighting and safety features and be licensed and registered with the state. Since most mobility scooters are not street legal, you can typically not drive it on state maintained roads. You should consult your state regulations before attempting to drive your mobility scooter on a road.

Not only can it be illegal to drive your mobility scooter on a state road, it can also be very unsafe. This is because it is much harder to see someone that is on a mobility scooter. A safety flag is a good investment; this is especially true if you will be using your mobility scooter frequently around vehicles. Safety flags improve your visibility to others and attach to your mobility scooter easily. Not only do safety flags make it much easier for people in cars and trucks to see you, but they also make it much easier to maintain contact when traveling in crowds. Since mobility scooters sit so low to the ground it can be easy to get separated from your family or loved ones in crowded areas. A safety flag will make it much easier for them to keep you in sight.

Another way to ensure that you maintain your safety is to avoid placing yourself in situations where you might tip over your mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are designed to be able to traverse small curbs and embankments. It is important to not try to climb over too high a curve though, because you risk tipping over. Your owner's manual will have information describing the maximum curb or embankment that your unit can climb. It is far better to avoid obstacles whenever possible, but if you must navigate a curb or small embankment make sure you meet it head on. A quality mobility scooter will have a set of anti-tip wheels in the back that in normal conditions will help prevent the unit from tipping over backwards. If you attempt to cross a curb at an angle this will negate the effect of the anti-tip wheels.

A mobility scooter can be a powerful device that can restore independence and allow you to move around freely without assistance, but when used improperly or placed in unsafe situations, they can be very dangerous. Always take extra care around roads and intersections, use a safety flag to improve visibility, and take care when attempting to navigate curbs or other obstacles.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Using a Bath Lift Safely

Using a Bath Lift Safely

Bath lifts are designed to aid people with mobility restrictions in enjoying a bath. They are installed on the side of the bathtub, and the user simply sits in the seat and is lowered into the tub. When the bath is finished, the seat then returns the user to the side of the tub.

These are wonderful devices for people who can not step into or out of a bathtub, however, knowing exactly which one you need can mean the difference between a nice bath, and a possibly dangerous situation.

A powered bath lift can be used without any help from outside caregivers. The user simply sits in the seat, which is situation outside the tub, and is “swiveled” into the tub and then lowered into the water. Once again, when the bath is complete, the user is raised out of the water, and again returned to the side of the tub above the floor. This is the best choice for someone with serious mobility restrictions.

Other types of bath lifts, however, can be used by people with less restriction in movement, but may prove harmful to those who can not support any weight on their legs. There are models that simply sit in the tub and then lower the user to the water. If someone who has no, or little, use of their legs were to use one of these lifts, they would have trouble getting up from the seat, and could very easily fall and hurt themselves.

When choosing the proper bath lift, it is imperative that you select the model that suits your needs individually. Choosing the wrong model could be disastrous. For instance, air pressure lifts normally have no back support. They would be very unstable for someone with sever balance difficulties.

Choosing the correct bath lift is very important for the safety and well being of the user. Choosing a lift simply based on price is not a recommended practice. Find out before you buy the lift exactly what the weight restrictions are, and how it works. You will need to know if it swivels to return you to the side of the tub, particularly if you have trouble stepping over the tub. Doing some research into the many models available is strongly encouraged before you purchase. Bath lifts are designed for safety and enjoyment, but if you choose the wrong one, then the design is useless. Make sure that you know exactly which lift you need to prevent any accidents, and allow yourself the freedom and enjoyment of a bath.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Using & Repairing Pinbacks

Pinbacks are simply the backing found on pins, which are commonly worn on jacket lapels, shirts and even purses for the individual who is truly creative. Crafters often employ pinbacks to create new wearable art for promotion at craft fairs, specialty stores and online auctions.

Pinbacks are commonly found in specialty craft stores, in the craft section of local retail stores and online from companies who specialize in jewelry findings. Pinbacks are very inexpensive and are available in a variety of metals, including goldtone, silvertone, genuine gold and genuine silver. They are generally sold in quantity, which means they are in packages of 25 to 100 pieces or even more. As a rule, the more you buy, the more you save.

Depending on the problem, some pinbacks can be easily repaired. In a simple case where pinbacks become loosened from their base, they can simply be reapplied with the use of jewelry adhesive. If the actual pin breaks, the repair may involve the complete removal and replacement of pinbacks. In simplest terms, if pinbacks can be reapplied, this is the easiest method of repair. If they are beyond repair, simply remove the pinback altogether and replace it with a new one.

If you are a crafter and plan to use pinbacks for a new creation, always test it’s functionality prior to applying it to the back of the craft. There is nothing worse then securing a pinback only to find that it will not open or close properly, which forces you to then have to remove and replace it.

If you are not a crafter, but rather a customer who recently purchased a product only to have the pinback to break, consider asking a local jeweler to handle the repairs for you. Most local jewelers can repair or replace jewelry at a minimal cost. This is especially the case if the item is gold or silver, which can be a more difficult metal to find in pinbacks. In addition, unless you are experienced in the art of jewelry repair, you will probably not want to practice your skill with precious metals.

Pinbacks feature small and sharp points, which means they must be handled with care. Pinbacks are not be left with an unsupervised child and should not be left lying around when children are inside the home. Instead, pinbacks and other crafting material should be placed in a locked drawer or up high enough so that a child cannot reach them.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Useful checklist while you shop online

Shopping online could be fun but you should also ask yourself certain questions before making the purchase.

1. Ask yourself whom you are dealing with that means you should gather all the required information about the trader clearly and get the email, phone contact details so that you can check its reliability.

2. Check that how much the product costs to you therefore the price should be clearly displayed to you with all the costs and look out for nay information about delivery charges, taxes and currency conversion.

3. Make yourself clear that what you are buying as such you should easily identify the product. It is quite important online because you can’t see the goods yourselves.

4. Check about the stock availability that should be clearly displayed over the website.

5. Get all the details about the delivery methods and the options for delivery methods and prices. Mostly information is given over the website about the options and prices for different delivery methods.

6. You should know promptly when your order is confirmed and therefore a clearly defined ordering process should be available for you. You should also receive the receipt of the order either through email or post.

7. Payment options should be very clear to you because majority of the stores accept credit card and sometimes non-internet payment such as debit card or cash on delivery.

8. Be clear about the personal information you are being asked for and what they are going to do with it. Therefore if you are asked for your personal information there should be proper explanation as how the information will be used.

9. Also ensure that where you can go in order to place any complaints as the first step should be contacting the online store owner. You can also get advice from your local fair trading authority.

10. Check how much time it will take to get the delivery of the product and also that you shall get an email when the goods has been dispatched.

For further details, visit entertainment-coupon-book-2006.info

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Use The Perfect Party Supplies

Everyone loves to attend a great party, but far fewer people I know love to throw a great party. Why? Because it takes a lot of time, energy, and attention to detail to throw any truly great party. From my experience, one of the biggest things that causes people to hesitate about throwing parties is their lack of understanding of what it really takes. It takes a lot to throw a party, but one of the biggest and most necessary elements is having the right party supplies.

It takes party supplies to make a great party just as it takes ingredients to cook a meal. You cannot end up with the finished product you want - a party or a meal - without putting in the right things. Choosing great party supplies can be overwhelming, but I guarentee that it will be less overwhelming if it is done with a theme in mind.

My advice to anyone planning a party for almost any occasion is to have a theme for the party. I have been to far too many parties over the years that seem disconnected and without a point. A well chosen theme will make everything about party planning, including gathering the right party supplies, easier. How do you choose a theme? Simple. Just think about things like the occasion, the guests, the interests of the guests, and the time of the year that you are planning to have your party.

Thinking through details such as this will enable you to focus in on party supplies and other details that really matter and that will reflect your theme. For example, if you are throwing a birthday party for your eight year old daughter, why not make it a "princess party" and have all of the food, activities, and party supplies surround the theme of princesses. Won't this be much easier than going on no theme at all? If you are throwing a summer anniversary party for your friends, why not take a look back at their wedding photos and try to recreate the style and colors of their wedding day.

Planning great parties and choosing great party supplies just takes time and a little creativity. If you aren't in a hurry, you can plan amazing parties that everyone will enjoy. So get out your planner, look at the next few events that you have planned, and start planning away by choosing a great theme. Let your theme guide all of your party supplies. You'll find that party throwing isn't nearly as stressful as you'd always thought.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Use Of Firearms For Personal Safety And Defense

For many years, firearms have been considered effective defensive weapons. If you think things through you will realize that due to the deadly potential of guns they are really a poor choice for personal protection for the vast majority of people.

The use of firearms is unwarranted in most circumstances. Their use in any situation can have grave consequences. The use of a gun in defending one from an assault could be considered “excessive force” in many jurisdictions. It would be up to the victim to prove that a life-threatening situation occurred and deadly force had to be used. Please bear in mind that nearly 80% of all the assaults in our country are committed without weapons of any type. Increasingly it is taking place that even when the victim is not charged of a crime for using a licensed gun they could find themselves on the losing end of a civil lawsuit.

The intent of personal protection devices is to only distract and disable the attacker and be able to escape to get help. It is also known that most people using a gun for defense don’t know when to pull the trigger and when not to pull the trigger. Professional law enforcers have to go through intensive training in shoot and no shoot scenarios and yet they still sometimes get caught up in legal problems.

Believe it or not, using a handgun can actually be less effective at stopping an attacker than using self-defense devices such as defensive pepper spray or O C spray. Besides, assailants have been known to kill or seriously injure someone in a matter of minutes after they had been shot defensively, even many hours after being shot with so-called man stopper ammunition.

A firearm used defensively can be taken away from the intended victim and used against them. Even though it is a fact that defensive technology devises could be used by an assailant in the same manor against the victim, the consequences are not as potentially lethal.

Sometimes the emotional trauma and psychological effects of a victim shooting another person can be devastating. Even veteran law enforcement officers are many times affected, especially if the perpetrator is killed. Many victims are unprepared for the intense emotional aftermath of killing someone [even in self-defense] and whose agenda was to only protect him or herself. This scenario is a very real possibility when firearms are used.

When there is a presence of a gun the crime sometimes escalates the likelihood for death or serious injury. Once a firearm is introduced by the victim, its use is the only action remaining and an innocent person may be injured or killed; and as previously mentioned, the use of the gun by the victim [ justified or not] is subject to legal litigation. Maybe the victims will not be charged with a crime, but it would be very likely for them to find themselves at the wrong end of a long and costly civil lawsuit.

Last, but not least there is large burden on the gun owner to properly secure their firearms. There is always the possibility, no matter how secure the gun is kept, a child or teenager could get their hands on a firearm with tragic results.

In closing, I would like to mention that firearms can have a legitimate and useful role in self and home defense, but only [and I stress only] if the person is fully trained on the use and handling of the firearm, totally comprehending the responsibility and consequences of the use of a gun and has the psychological toughness to use a firearm for the purpose of self-defense.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Bottled Water Direct From the Tap

Copyright 2006 Linda Symonds

Almost everywhere you go today, you see people carrying a bottle of water. Over the last decade the bottled water industry has enjoyed explosive growth and many of us, it seems, have fallen in love with the taste, purity and convenience of bottled water. There is no disputing the popularity of bottled water; but is it really better than good old tap water?

Bottled water is simply water from some source that has been placed in bottles for sale. The source of the water could be the natural spring pictured on the label, or it could be filtered municipal tap water. The bottled water industry would like us to believe that bottled water is more pure than our own tap water, but a good quality water filter installed in the home will provide water of equal and even better quality than bottled water.

A study by Ohio State University found that 39 out of 57 bottled water samples did indeed have "purer" water than unfiltered tap water. However, 15 samples had significantly high bacteria.

For water quality, that is at best, no better than what you would get from your tap with a water filter, bottled water is expensive; often costing more per gallon than gasoline. Purchasing one $0.69 cent bottle of water per day would add up to $248 per year. Filtering your own water at home would cost a cent of two per day or about $8 per year - saving $240.

In these busy times, the convenience of bottled water has become a major selling point. It's so easy to simply reach into the refrigerator and pull out a bottle of crystal clear water. It has zero calories, zero fat, and we can sip it no matter where we may be for the day - in meetings, at the supermarket or in the classroom.

When we're finished with the plastic bottle, we just drop it into the trash or the recycle bin. But what if, instead of throwing that plastic bottle away, we took it home and refilled it from our own tap. We'd have a renewable supply of bottled water for just a few cents per bottle and we'd be diverting that plastic bottle from the waste stream.

It's so easy to do and takes only a few extra minutes. The cost savings, along with knowing that you really are drinking good quality bottled water are worth the effort.

To start bottling you own water, you'll want to be sure you have installed a good quality water filter. A good quality, reasonably priced water filter, costing about $30, can be installed in just a few minutes directly onto your tap and provide pure, clean drinking water.

Washing the bottles is important. Bacteria can build up in the moist are around the cap of the bottle so you'll need to wash the bottles before reusing them. Either pop them into the dishwasher or wash them in the sink with soapy water. Rinse and dry the bottles as much as possible, particularly around the rim.

Refill the bottles and store them in the refrigerator. They'll be cold, clean and ready when you want them. If, after a few uses, you find that the bottles begin to look tattered, invest in a few good quality reusable sport bottles. They are attractive, durable and easy to clean.

Want to give an official or business gift?

If you are a boss who wants to congratulate his employee for some good job done or want to wish your client for success in business then why do you spend much time on thinking? Corporate gift baskets help you to build loyalty among clients, associates or employees. Your office staff, clients shall always remember this way of maintaining strong connection.

There are number of occasions when you could gift a business gift:

1. You need corporate gifts to say “thanks” to new and important clients whereby you can send an unique gift basket either by purchasing form the market or by making a customized gift basket at your home.

2. You can send exceptional gifts to employees and important clients on the eve of different festivals such as Christmas, New Year etc.

3. To wish an important client or employee on his birthday you can use a gift basket.

4. When an important employee of your staff is about to take retirement you can wish him good luck on the eve with the help of corporate gift baskets.

How to choose a corporate gift basket?
If you are choosing a corporate gift basket, you should ensure that it is sophisticated and in the budget of the company. If you want to gift an elegant and impressive gift, choose a wine or champagne gift. Fruit baskets can also be given as a healthy and delicious way to congratulate or thanks an important client or employee. You can choose form gourmet gift baskets as they are an appropriate choice for corporate gifts. If you wish to send with a personal approach, you can send a gift basket tailored to the hobbies of the person.

What should be incorporated in a corporate gift basket?
While deciding what has to be included in the gift basket, you need to think for a while following the “know your customer” rule. After you have decided the budget for the gift basket and what type of gift basket to be given, you can easily shop for the right gift basket.

There are many corporate gift baskets available online where you can choose the personalized gift items and could have one or more items personalized. If you wish to have one personalized item, be sure that it is placed strategically on the top for the convenience of the recipient. If you add more individual touch to the gift basket then the better will be your relationship with that person.But always make an appropriate choice and you can put the gifts in the basket or could be anything else.

For further information, visit our recommended website customgiftbasket.info

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Wall Units

What is the purpose of a wall unit? Basically, it is a piece of furniture used for storage. It’s a very functional type of cabinet, yet a wall unit can be customized to complement the style of any room. Used in both homes and businesses, wall units solve storage problems, add to the design of a room, and can even become the room’s focal point.

When choosing a wall unit for your space, there are several questions that need to be answered. The first and most important question is, “What will the wall unit store?” Common uses for wall units are entertainment centers, book or toy shelving, clothing storage, kitchen storage and office storage. Although, wall units are conventionally used for these purposes, they can be used for whatever purpose is needed.

It is becoming common to see wall units, which typically are placed up against a wall, to be brought out from the wall and used as a room divider. They are also being used inside of walk in closets to organize clothing. In older homes that have very little closet space, wall units can take the place of a closet.

Once you know what will be stored in the wall unit, the next question to be asked is “What type of shelves, cabinets, drawers, etc. do I need in the unit to accommodate what will be stored?” Sometimes, a simple series of shelves are all that is needed to store books and collectables. Other times, glass doors need to cover the shelves.

Wall units can be a series of shelves, cabinets, drawers and even large closet size cabinets all working together in one piece of furniture. For an entertainment unit, usually there is a space in the middle that will accommodate a television and that space is surrounded by shelving that holds video, stereo and audio equipment. There may be cabinets on either side to hold media such as dvd’s and cd’s.

In an office setting a desk may be part of the wall unit with storage for computers, printers, files and supplies surrounding the desk. In a bedroom, a wall unit may take up one complete wall of the room. It may be comprised of a large closet like cabinet, drawers for storage, and shelving for entertainment pieces. The configurations for wall units are endless.

The next question that needs to be asked is, “What material will the wall unit be made of?” Here again, the possibilities are endless. Solid wood units of oak, maple, yellow cedar, padauk, American or European beech, purple heart wood, alder or cherry are all popular choices.

When choosing a solid wood piece consider what will complement the space it will be placed in and also the durability needed for the piece. If you are simply using the cabinet as storage for a collection, say of dolls or trophies, there will not be much wear and tear on the piece. A less durable, less expensive wood can be used. However, some wall units get a lot of use. Entertainment units have drawers and cabinet doors that get opened frequently. It is best choose more durable material for these types of wall units.

Wall units and wall cabinets can also be made from a combination of solid wood, particle board and wood veneers. Metal and glass are also sometimes used for wall units.

Another question to be asked is, “Can the unit I need be found already made or do I need a custom wall unit made.” Because wall units are a very popular type of furniture, there are many pre-made units to choose from. Pre-made units will most likely be less expensive than custom made wall units. If you are on a budget, it is a good idea to do some research into what is already available for purchase.

However, if you are looking for something unique, something to fit an odd sized wall, or something that looks like it is part of the house itself, then having a custom wall unit made is a good choice. Custom wall units and custom cabinets can be designed to fit in the exact space you have available. They can also be designed to exactly accommodate the things you need stored.

Custom wall units and cabinets are often used for the following purposes: fireplace surrounds, library shelving, built-in desk with wall units, and built in kitchen units. They can be used for whatever purpose you choose, however. One of the benefits of custom built wall units is that they can be built right into the walls, giving the impression that they were built to be a part of the room. They often give a rich, elegant feeling to a room.

If you choose custom wall units or cabinetry, you can have it done through professionals at a home improvement store, a business that specializes in wall units or cabinets, or you can hire a professional carpenter to do a completely unique unit.

Other questions to ask yourself when choosing a wall unit might be, “Do the shelves need to be adjustable?” “Will it be easily movable if needed?” and “Is it the right material for my kids?” A wall unit with glass doors may be beautiful, but it may be impractical and unsafe if you have small children.

Once you’ve answered these questions, it is time to buy your wall unit. If you have decided to go the custom route, contact some professionals for estimates. If you are going to buy a pre-made wall unit, start shopping around. Go to both stores and search on the Internet. Look through catalogs. Be thorough in your search to make sure you are getting the best wall unit to meet your needs along with the best price.

There is one other option for creating your wall unit. You could tackle the project and do it yourself. Designing and building your own wall unit can get you exactly what you want and save you a lot of money, too.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Why Did We Start To Celebrate Father's Day?

Not many countries of the world celebrate fathers with their own official day. However, that is what is done in the United States every third Sunday in June. Father’s Day is a special day for dads when they are pampered by their children, given gifts, and even surprised with breakfast in bed!

There are many different stories as to the origins of Father’s Day. Some of the possible scenarios telling the story of the first Father’s Day are:

1. It started in 1908 during a church service in West Virginia.

2. Vancouver, Washington was where the first Father’s Day celebration occurred.

3. Harry Meek, president of the Lions’ Club branch in Chicago, created the first Father’s Day with his organization. It was celebrated in 1915 on the third Sunday of June, since that was a date very close to his birthday.

Even though we don’t know exactly when the first Father’s Day was celebrated, we do know who promoted this holiday with a great passion. Mrs. John B. Dodd, who resided in Spokane Washington, felt that her father was outstanding and deserved to be honored. He had fought in the Civil War and had raised six children on his own after his wife had died.

Mrs. Dodd spoke to her minister and other ministers around Spokane to see if they would have a church service that was solely dedicated to fathers. She wished this service to be held on June 5th, her father’s birthday. It was actually scheduled on June 19th however, since a June 5th date was not long enough for her minister to prepare such a service.

After that, the whole state of Washington began celebrating “Father’s Day” on the third Sunday of June. Children prepared special meals and desserts as a treat for dad. If they happened to live apart, children would make an effort to visit.

Other states and organizations now wanted an annual Father’s Day for the whole country. They began lobbying Congress to declare such a holiday. The idea of a “Father’s Day” was approved by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, but it was not official until President Calvin Coolidge made it a national event in 1924.

Now, we celebrate Father’s Day every third Sunday in June!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Why Choose a Bunk Bed for Your Child?

Why should you choose childrens bunk beds for your home? Bunk beds can bring a number of endless possibilities to your living area. Whether you have restricted space, or you want to create more available floor space in a room, bunk beds may be just the answer you are seeking. There are twin bunk beds and combination bunk beds with a twin mattress on top and a full mattress on the bottom, as well as loft bunk beds which can offer considerable storage space. There are numerous bunk bed options available for any room layout you are trying to create.

Bunk beds save space:

Bunk beds come in all shapes and sizes. There are bunk beds that come with enough compartments for practically everything you could possibly need space for, all in one beautiful piece of furniture that doesn't take up much living space at all. Bunk beds offer the added benefit of utilizing vertical space as opposed to horizontal space. This frees up floor space for other needed uses and is an ideal solution for smaller rooms. Bunk beds are also great for compact or studio apartments where you need all the space you can get. Loft apartments are growing in popularity, converting large buildings in highly populated cities into individual living spaces. Bunk beds can help you creatively use your available area in a small loft apartment.

Bunk beds are fun:

Bunk beds offer a different alternative from a standard bed. For children and teens, bunk beds offer a sense of fun. Siblings can stay close to each other, yet have their own space to sleep. Youngsters can pretend they are in a fort, on a pirate ship, or a damsel in distress awaiting rescue from the knight in shining armor who will climb up the ladder to save her; bunk beds tend to let one's imagination soar.

Bunk beds give you more available space for overnight guests:

Birthdays, parties, family reunions - we all love those great get-togethers. Wouldn't it be great to have extra overnight bed space for those special loved ones that you don't get enough time to visit with? Have a fun-filled day of activities, enjoy a leisurely evening with no one in a rush to get home, because they will be home for the evening, and get a fresh start the next morning. Bunk beds can help give you that opportunity.

Bunk beds are great for children/teenagers:

Bunk beds are a must for older children or young teens having to share a room with another sibling. Bunk beds give each child his or her own space. Sleeping on the top bunk bed is generally not recommended for children under 6 years of age, due to the fact they are more likely to fall. Guard rails on both sides of the top bunk bed mattress can help prevent falls from occurring. A secure bunk bed ladder and a night light can also be beneficial.

Some types of bunk beds can be taken apart and used as a regular bed. If a teenager has an opportunity to move into his or her own room at some point, he or she already has a bed to furnish it with, leaving the child sharing the previous room with his or her own bed as well. Bunk beds serve multiple purposes and are a diverse piece of furniture that can work in practically any living space.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Why are Prefab Homes so Popular?

With the world today in such a fast paced mode, there is a need for everything to be done in a hurry. This is even true when it comes to finding a home. For some people they want to have a new home of their own, but do not have the time or even the money to have one built. This is not a problem anymore; there are now prefab houses to fix this problem. A prefab home or pre-manufactured home is a good choice for many people.

The current state of the economic strength is also a reason why many people are turning to prefab homes instead of having a home built or buying a home that is way out of their price range. Consumers are taking a cut in pay and with all of the other costs of living going up, they will have to choose between a home that is falling down and needs a lot of costly repairs or get a prefab house to fit their budget.

One thing that you must have for the prefab home is a piece of property to have it placed on. Many people find it cheaper to just go out and buy a piece of land to have for their homes. This is a great idea for anyone that wants to have a place of his or her own. For others, it is necessary to rent a piece of land for their house to sit on. There are many local communities that are set up especially for these types of homes.

Prefab houses are very nice. There is really nothing wrong with living in one of these. They are generally brought onto the land site in two pieces and then bolted together in the middle. You can really never tell that this has occurred once you are moved in. Anyone that is buying a prefab home will have many choices to make with their purchase. They will have to choose almost everything in the home. This will include everything from windows, and doors to carpeting and counter tops. Owners of prefab homes will have the choice of the lower grade or they can up grade anything that they want.

A prefab home is a wonderful way for anyone that is on a fixed income or for a new couple that is just starting out. When you cannot afford the house of your dreams, you can surely start with a prefab home. These home are comfortable and will give you the option to choose what you want for your home. You will have the opportunity to decide on these things and what you can afford for your budget.

Having a prefab home will be just like having a regular home. You will go through a bank and have a mortgage on the home. You will pay a percentage rate on the home just as you would for any other loan. You will have a home of your own just as you want it and be able to afford it as well.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Why

Many articles supply answers, but here I do not. Here, I ask the questions. If you want to rack your brains for finding the answers to these life conundrums. But, I warn you. Beware. These are not easy, and though somewhat hilarious and funny, they are real and true to life.

Should I begin? Ok, here I go:

1) How come Tarzan has no bears even though he grows up with wolves in the jungle?

2) Why does glue not stick to the insides of the tube or can that it comes in?

3) Why do they use sterile injections when executing someone who is condemned to death?

4) Why do we press down harder and harder or the remote controls even though we know that the batteries are low?

5) Why is it that when someone hits us in the ankles with his supermarket trolley and then appologizes, do we say that everything is ok? I mean, things are not really fine. Why is it that we do not say that it hurts?

6) Why is it that whatever the color of the bath soap, the bubbles are always white?

7) Why is it that you will never find a day when mattresses are not on sale?

8) Why is it that online casinos always offer big prize money for their tournaments but never reveal the real name of the winner after the competition is over?

9) If human beings evolved from monkeys, why is it that there still are monkeys?

10) Why did the Japanese Kamikaze pilots wear helmets during the second World War?

11) Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest but, then, duck when the empty gun is thrown at him.

12) Why do banks charge a commission when you go into debt even though they know that there is no money in that account?

13) Why do people go back again and again to the refrigerator hoping that something new to eat will appear there?

14) Why do people move their vacuum cleaner over a thin thread lying on the floor, bend down, pick it up, examine it, and then, place it on the floor again and move the vacuum over it again?

15) Why do people believe it when they are told that there are more than four billion stars, but when they see a sign that says wet paint, they have to touch and check?

16) Why does a plastic bag not open at the end where you first try to open it?

17) Why do you never hear jokes about father in laws?

18) Why are there dead insects inside enclosed electric lamps?

19) Why is it that in winter we try and keep the house as warm as it was during the summer when back in the summer we hated the heat?

20) Why is it that every time you try and catch something that is about to fall off the table, you always hit something else and drop that instead?

Conclusion:
Life has many oddities and conundrums: some funny, some less. I have mentioned but a few. Think of more? Send them to me.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Wholesale Party Supplies

Wholesale party supplies can be had cheaply and can be used for just about any event. Since you are purchasing directly from wholesaler, you can get amazing discounts on just about anything imaginable including cups, plates, knifes, napkins – you name it. The discounts aren’t limited to what we’ve just mentioned above. Unique occasions such as baby showers require additional items. By buying wholesale, you can also obtain these items at a discounted price.

Since we’re on the topic of Baby showers, let us take a minute to talk about how in demand supplies for such events are. Party supplies for seasonal events (Christmas, Halloween, etc.) are often in very high demand. These events, along with the other unique events we’ve touched on, require specially themed supplies. Whenever these events come around, there is a tremendous demand for party supplies.

Business themed party supplies are another caliber of supplies offered by wholesalers. Business party supplies can be used for corporate events, company parties, etc. As with any other party supplies, there are available in a variety of colors and themes.

What comes to mind when your hear the word “party”. Of course, kids. Wholesalers offer a magnitude of kid’s party supplies. Since kids can at times be very picky, wholesalers often carry a very diverse stock of supplies. These supplies embody differing themes to accommodate a broader spectrum of tastes. Wholesalers even carry more basic designs for kids that are not very into animated characters and whatnot.

If you’re looking to add more of a unique touch to an event, personalized party favors are an ideal path to take. These party favors are custom designed for your particular event. As you would expect, with this unique aspect comes a larger price tag. You should expect to pay several hundred dollars for your personalized party favors.

Wholesale party supplies have numerous advantages over traditional party supplies. So, the next time you’re planning an event and require supplies, take a minute to consider them.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Why Taking Care Of Mommy Is So Important

It’s a novel concept, isn’t it; somebody taking care of you? Well, that somebody ultimately has to be you, and I know how it is, you’re way too busy taking care of everybody else to give yourself any time. But, let me tell you why you have to take care of yourself, and give you some ideas as to how to do accomplish this monumental feat.

You’re the Mom – and if you’re out of commission, everybody suffers
If you can’t manage to take care of yourself, for yourself, then take care of yourself for everybody else! A well-rested, happy Mom is much more likely to have happy, thriving children. If you’re tired, or you haven’t had an adult conversation in weeks, it will start to show. You’ll be grumpy to say the least; at worst you could be downright dangerous when doing something like driving a car. A frazzled Mom is no good to anyone.

How you treat yourself is how you’re teaching your children to treat you
If you never let your children see that you have needs, or that you take the time to meet those needs, you’re teaching them that you are, indeed, a doormat, and should be treated as such.

Ok, so now you know you need to take care of yourself, physically and emotionally, but how do you make it happen?

Start with your calendar
Put some appointments in it that will let you have some time to yourself. You choose the activities that will soothe your soul, but whatever they are, make time for them. A few hours a week devoted to something you love other than your family, will help keep you refreshed and feeling like your old self.

Ask for help
You know by now that men are different, right? Well, one of the ways they are different is that they don’t mind telling their partner what they need. And they expect the same from us. If you need your husband to plan to watch the baby for three hours every Saturday so that you can have some time to meditate, vegetate, shop, whatever, you need to tell him. He’s not going to come up with that idea on his own, but if you tell him what you need, he’s likely to oblige.

Make friends with other women in the same boat
There is no substitute for a girlfriend who understands. If you’re a stay at home mom, find some others to hang out with. It may mean some company for you and a play date for your child at the same time. If you’re a working Mom trying to juggle everything, hook up with some other working Mothers to talk things through. It works wonders to know you’re not alone. Plus, you might get some valuable ideas for handling some of the issues you face.

As the Mom, you’re really the heart of your family. Your well being translates into everyone’s well being. Take the time to enjoy the whole person that you are, not just the Mom.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Why Marijuana Should be Legal

Many Americans feel that Marijuana is helping fund the war on terror, but making a war on drugs and keeping Marijuana illegal has not stopped millions of Americans from smoking pot everyday. So what is the answer?

First, why is Marijuana illegal? In the 1930's William Randolph Hearst, who had significant financial interests in the timber industry testified to congress on the evils of marijuana, saying things like it make people insane and commit acts of cannibalism? at this time very few even knew what it was and to stop people from going insane Congress decided to make it illegal.

The truth is many paper manufacturers were thinking of changing from using trees to make paper to using hemp because it was cheaper and easier to grow and better for the environment, and Hearst stood to loose millions so he used his influence and testimony to help get marijuana banned in the USA.

So now that we know why it was made illegal, we can realize that not only would making it legal in the United States stop terrorist from smuggling it into the USA, but would give us another option to cutting down of millions of trees every year for paper products that can be made better from hemp.

Hemp has thousands of uses that we are unable to exploit because of its illegal status.

During WWII hemp was used for the rigging on parachutes as well as rope and material for uniforms.

Nowadays Marijuana can be used to relieve pain and some of the effect of cancer treatments and old age.

It has been proven to slow down the spreading of Alzheimer's, relieve the pressure behind the eyes from glaucoma. It also helps relieve migraine headaches and the side effect of cancer treatment.

But until the United States realizes how much money can be made from legalizing it, it will remain illegal.

This is much like the situation with online casinos in the USA. America was sending billions of dollars out of the country and the government needed to do something to keep the money here, so they banned Online Casino and just like online casinos and online gambling I believe one day the government will learn to take advantage of these things instead of just banning them.

Eventually the USA will realize that the best way to stop the flow of money out of the country is not to ban marijuana or online casinos, but to enter the market and compete.

If the USA did what Amsterdam has done the government would make not only billions in Taxes from the sales of Marijuana, but the economy would boom from all the tourism that it would bring in from all over the world.

The truth of the matter is that legalization is inevitable. The attitude of people has changed so drastically over the last 30 years, that eventually when the younger generations start to take over marijuana will eventually become legal because they understand the truth, and that is banning something only makes the market for it stronger.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Why do we need some good old fashion advice

Problems are part of life that come in different shapes and sizes --- minor inconveniences to crisis situations that no one can even outrun or wish away. There is no other way to escape these trials of faith and sanity other that to face them head on.

Among the difficulties faced by people everyday, none is so distressing and painful as a relationship problem. Often, these relationship squabbles cause so much stress and depression. The fight between couples can become so overblown that the only way for the fight to end is for a mediator to come in. Sometimes, a mediator is needed as a third party “referee” or “peacemaker.” The mediator is also expected to provide the feuding parties the necessary guidance and counseling.

Still, many who are involved in a tussle refuse to acknowledge the need for counseling. Whether it is a married or engaged couple, siblings, or very close friends who suddenly became bitter enemies – the thought of seeking professional help just does not come to mind. Many are held back from asking for counseling due to the following reasons:


l State of Denial – Angry people sometimes deny the existence of a problem. With stubborn pride, an angry person can just fume away and dismiss the need to control anger and resolve a problem by saying that, “...this too shall pass.” People can also camouflage or mask their vulnerabilities by refusing to seek help. They see counseling as a situation that will expose themselves for who they are --- warts and all. That kind of vulnerability is avoided at all costs and, as a result, people who need help enter into a state of denial.


l Social Stigma – Most people have a misconception that only “crazy” or “insane” people go to therapy. This mindset prevents a lot of people from getting the help they need because they value more “what others think” about them rather than what they need emotionally and psychologically. They fail to see the value of professional counseling which is expected to be objective, scientific, and results-oriented.

l Plain Fear – The fear of facing the truth and reliving painful experiences like sexual abuse, physical abuse, drug addiction, or trauma from violent incidents prevent people from coming to a counselor. Remembering painful memories are usually part of counseling sessions and therapy. These memories cause fear and anxiety on the part of the patient. But if a person in great stress or someone who is suffering from severe depression neglects to get proper therapy, it can be expected that the problem would get worse. Reopening a painful emotional wound is never pleasant but we will never be healed unless we learn to face and eventually cast away all painful memories of the past. Through counseling, people with serious problems can learn to adjust and cope with their present emotional and psychological struggles.

l Religious Stigma - Some associate counseling with religion or dogmatic beliefs, making the act of getting counseling uncomfortable for those who are not religious or are not into spirituality. While so many people have found comfort and refuge in church-based counseling sessions, many are still wary of getting counseling there since they think they will have to become a member of the church.


Some people are strong enough to face life's storms while others need to counseling to cope with problems. Either way, both take time and commitment so that one can see positive results, and hopefully, a resolution of problems that make life challenging.