Chances are, your fireplace does not look as bad as the one pictured. In the example we will be using, the light colored brick has been turned completely black by layers of soot, ash and creosote. Most people would think that it would have to stay that way, but with just a single attempt, we were able to remove about 97% of the build up in the small circle that was cleaned. A second application would have gotten it even cleaner, but for illustrative purposes, we wanted you to see what a single application, and minimal effort could accomplish. The circle of brick we washed is no longer black in color because there is no longer anything coating it. What you see is the color that the bricks used to be when they were new, and that was probably 40 or more years ago. Continue reading below to find out how we did it, and how easy it will be for you to duplicate the results in your own fireplace.

WHY CLEAN IT?

You would never want to install a gas burning unit in a used and filthy area because when it burns, it is a much cleaner process. If you are retrofitting an existing installation to switch it from wood to gas, then cleaning the inside first  is highly recommended, and most would consider it mandatory.  Once clean, and the new unit is installed, it will never get as dirty again, and you will be able to keep looking good because natural gas is much cleaner than firing up some logs. Even the most lazy folks out there would agree that the effort would be well worth it in this case. Another reason to scrub the inside of your fireplace would be if you are moving. When trying to sell a house, and old looking focal point, covered in black grime can really make your living room look bad. When moving in somewhere new, many of us will prefer to clean out the layers of dirt left behind by previous occupants, and this is one area of a home that gets significant use, and that results in layers of dirt. Because not everyone will leave a home in top shape, a job like this may be something you want to complete prior to moving in. A significant number of people like to keep their fireplace looking good at all times, no matter which type it is. If you regularly operate a wood burning unit, then a once a year spring cleaning can keep it in good shape for the rest of the year. Simply take the time to remove last winter’s layers of soot,and you will have a pristine surface to look at all summer long, and it will never become too big of a chore.

WHAT MAKES IT SO DIRTY?

Most fireplaces will have some loose debris and topical dirt to worry about, but the reason you are reading this article is due to that impossible looking  residue that a burning fire creates. Fire is not clean. If you use burning wood to heat your home, you will eventually have to clean the inside, or deal with the not so nice appearance. As smoke travels upward to your chimney  it fully engulfs the inside of your fireplace. Over time this results in soot, ash, creosote and smoke residue that sticks to bricks and stone, and appears to be impossible to clean. This residue can be sticky or chalky, and it is always dark black in coloration. It will cover bricks and grout, and will even sneak into small pores in natural stones. The staining is organic in nature because it is mostly carbon that has been deposited from the burning wood. It is certainly unsightly to look at, but rest assured that the surface is not permanently damaged or discolored, it is simply coated with one of the more difficult things to clean.

Most traditional cleaners will not even make a difference on this type of dirt, and the ones that do work a little bit will usually just cause you to smear stuff around and make a bigger mess. If you ask the so called experts, they will tell you that it will never come off unless you use some expensive chemical that is super dangerous, or something else that includes acid.  If you like wearing a mask and gloves, then go with one of those options, and hope for the best. If you prefer a safe and effective option, continue reading. Other people may encourage messy options like pressure washers, but who wants to blast soot out of the interior of your fire place, only to have it end up on carpeting or walls. The ideal approach is to use an effective method that allows you to lift the layers of residue, and completely remove them in a simple and efficient manner that does not risk the surface being cleaned, or the stuff surrounding it.

HOW TO CLEAN IT

Quick N  Brite is a powerful, all natural cleaner that works on hundreds of jobs, and this is one it is really good at. Most people are amazed at how well it removes soot , and brings brick and stone back to life. It does not burn it away, bleach it out of existence, or blast fry it off the surface, and you will not need to scrub for hours to get things clean. It’s specialty is lifting organic stains, and although the black color makes it look scary, that is all that we are talking about here. It is one of the tougher organic stains out there, but it is easily removable when you are using the right tools. It is so safe that you can use it on any surface, let it touch your skin, use it where kids play and so much more. You run no risk of harming any part of your fireplace, and in a few easy steps you can end up with outstanding results.  It has no harsh smell, it does not burn your eyes with exposure, and it is not toxic in any way. In fact, it is totally biodegradable and safe for the environment. Get this powerful cleaner to dominate this job, and then break it out for any other cleaning job that seems impossible. This stuff works incredibly well, and you can use the leftovers to remove stains from clothing, get rid of soap scum in the bathroom, take grease off of kitchen cabinets, eliminate oils stains on your driveway and so much more.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Take a look at the picture above. It clearly shows how the brick was completely black from years and years of use without cleaning, and then after a single application, it was restored to it’s original color. We used a combination of liquid and paste, but you could get the same results with paste alone, it might just take a bit more effort. To clean the inside of your fireplace, simply follow the steps below, and when finished, you will be able to admire your impressive outcome.

• Prepare to clean. You will need some Quick N Brite Paste. In the example above, we also used a quart spray bottle with 3-4 Tbsp. of the liquid mixed into water to create an all purpose spray. You can get away with using just water to prep the area, but using a heavy spray solution of Quick N Brite will just make the job easier. You will also need a nylon brush or something else that is scrubby in nature. We used a brush, but a scrub pad or 0000 steel wool and other similar tools would work fine also. If you are worried about areas that surround your fireplace, and do not want them to get wet or dirty, then laying out some Super Shammys can give you piece of mind. They will absorb any moisture and dirtiness that comes in contact with them, and this will prevent clean surfaces from getting dirty. You could also lay out plastic or something, but plastic is not absorbent, so liquid will travel, and it will be a bit more difficult to ensure that you are not spreading your mess. The last thing you will need is several cotton rags or old terry cloth towels to remove the cleaner and all of the grime.
• Once you have your cleaner, and the area is prepped, it is time to get cleaning. To make the job easier, you may want to do one section at a time. If you start with one wall, and then move to the next once it is finished, then you will make less of a mess, and run into fewer problems. To begin cleaning, take your heavy solution and spray it all over. You want it to completely cover all areas that are dirty. You can also use plain water for this part, but if doing so, warm or hot water will help you out.
• After you get the area sprayed down, let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• Once it sits, take your brush or other scrub tool and pick up some of the paste. Use the brush to work the paste onto the surface sort of like you are waxing a car. Use circular motions to apply a thin coating all over. When choosing a scrub tool, make sure it will penetrate the residue, but not harm the surface. You do not really need to scrub so much as you need to work it in.
• Once the paste is on, and covering all of the brick or stone, let it sit again for 30-60 minutes.
• After sitting, take one of your towels and begin to wipe the area clean. You will see that the black stuff immediately transfers from the brick to your towel. A white towel will turn completely black as you wipe and clean, and you will probably go through several if doing the whole area.
• A dry towel will work best to remove most of the cleaner and soot, but you may want to use a damp one to get the last little bit off.
• If some cleaner remains in cracks and crevices, using the brush again, or using it wet can help loosen it up, and work it out.
• After a single application, you should get results like you see in the picture, but in some cases, a reapplication may be necessary to complete the job.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Quick n Brite works by removing layers, so if the build up is really thick, or extra stubborn, it may take two applications to make it look like new. If you end up getting the area too wet it will make the process a little extra messy, but this is where the shammies come in. If you set them down first, you can avoid any situation that might be caused by excess moisture. If this was an outdoor fireplace, or a cabin, or even exterior brick, you could save time and effort by using the hose down method. Hose the whole area down, add cleaner and let sit, hose the whole area down again. When working inside your home, you need to be a bit more careful, and using the above steps will allow you to eliminate the soot without getting it everywhere. Most fireplace interiors are constructed from brick, but this material is not exclusive. If yours is made from any other material, you can use the same technique, and you can expect the same results. This cleaner will never harm the surface you are cleaning, and it would be completely safe to apply to any material you might encounter when completing this job.

Stop feeling self conscious about your dirty fireplace. Get it clean inside and out with this remarkable product. If you have family coming to stay, or if it is just that time of year again, try this technique, and you won’t be disappointed. Because it works so well, we can actually guarantee results for a job like this. If you try it out, and follow the steps above, it will absolutely work, and give you results similar to what is pictured. We sell every container with a 100% satisfaction guarantee from us, and and additional money back guarantee from the manufacturer  The only way we are able to do this is because it actually works, and it is easy enough for anyone to use. Add to that how safe  and versatile it is, and you have a pretty easy decision to make. Get it to eliminate that black stuff on your bricks, and then keep it around to discover all of the other impossible jobs it can tackle.

Quick N Brite

Super Shammy

More on Cleaning Soot And Creosote From Brick and Stone

How To Clean The Inside Of Your Fireplace - Simply Good Tips

WHAT ARE THEY
These useful little tools are nothing more than plastic pyramids with some advanced features. The material is super durable in order for them to have the strength necessary to support any type of project. It does not matter if you are working with wood, clay, metal, ceramic, cardboard, paper or anything else. The object could be light or heavy, and can have any shape or size. Simply use more or less depending upon your needs, and either keep them separate, and loose, or choose to combine or mount as needed. The high strength plastic material is  chemical resistant and non-stick which means that any substance you are working with will not ruin the integrity of the support, and glue paint and stain will not stick. Because sticking is not possible, you are able to support objects that are still wet without worrying about paint coming off, or the object drying and then becoming stuck in place. This aspect allows you to work wet on one side of a project, and then flip, turn, or re-position in order to keep on working without having to wait.

The three dimensional, triangular shape is ideal to keep this support strong,  but it also makes it sturdy, and is integral to its function. The large base allows it to remain stable, and the point at the top offers the smallest possible spot to rest your object in order to leave it elevated and secure, but not affect the surface at the same time. You can use these on any flat surface by just setting them down, but you can also mount them in place for increased stability. Two integrated tabs at the bottom of the pyramid feature holes in the center to allow for screws to fit through in order to mount any number of these anywhere you need them. Either of these two tabs will also connect with the notch on the third side of the pyramid so that you can use several of these together in one configuration. When combined, you will be able to form uniquely shaped supports that are able to adapt to any shape object you have. Double them up into pairs to support a long cylindrical object like a chair leg, or form into a circle to prop up a piece of pottery you are glazing. The versatility and usefulness of these supports will allow you to lift up any item, and elevate it securely in order to make your job easier. Get under edges while painting, or stain the top and bottom in one sitting.

When you reduce the time it takes to stain a single cabinet door, you will be able to finish a whole kitchen in half the time. When you allow for better access to your working surface, you will be able to achieve a higher degree of accuracy which will result in better looking stuff. By elevating your work, and keeping it in one place, you will also eliminate all of those little mistakes that lead to frustration and having to start over. Artwork will look better, home improvement projects will look like a pro completed them, and any other craft or work project will be completed in less time, and with better results.

COMBINE FOR ADDED USEFULNESS
These things are incredibly useful all by themselves, but you can also combine them with some other great products for added versatility. Take one Pyramid, and one Grabber and connect them together to form a pyramid shaped support that is rubberized on the bottom. You still retain the rounded, non-stick point at the top to rest your actual work on, but now the bottom will be slip proof. Due to the design, these two products snap together securely, and are meant to be used alone, or as a pair. The addition of the rubberized bottom will help to keep the pyramid in the place you put it. As explained above, you can always screw these down to immobilize them, but a Grabber will achieve similar results without being so permanent, or putting holes in your work surface. The specially designed rubber bottom will grip the surface it sits on in order to prevent sliding, and eliminate any possible movement. Take this pairing right to your work instead of being forced to do the job in a special location. Get slip-proof supports that can be used on the floor, up on a table or anywhere else.

If you are working on a project and want to be able to access all sides without moving, then pair some Pyramids with the VersaSpin 360 to make it easy. The VersaSpin is an advanced turntable that comes in two sizes, and it can be used for small or large objects. The surface of the spinning table has little pegs all over, and these pegs can be used like screws to mount Pyramids in any configuration. You can use any number, and you can arrange them in a multitude of ways in order to adapt to your work. The pyramids will not be able to move, but the turn table will rotate freely. With this handy combo, you will be able to lift up your work and then spin it around into any position.

Paint one portion of your item, then spin to get the back side. Flip it over while still wet in order to paint the underside, and now let it dry after having finished the whole job. You don’t have to wait for things to dry to continue working because the pyramids will allow you to rest wet paint, face down, without removing any of the finish, or risking stickiness as it drys. For smaller projects like models and pottery, it will make painting and decorating easier because you can sit at a desk or table, and accurately paint all sides without moving the object in any way.  Just secure it in place one time, and then rotate, using the table, in order to reach all parts. For larger objects like benches and chairs, you can first elevate the actual turntable, and then support the object at the center while allowing legs and other parts to spin around without touching the ground, or causing other problems. This combo gives you way more usefulness than a regular old turn table because your work will be lifted up and able to rotate, so you will not only be able to get all sides, but also the underneath. By resting on the rounded, non-stick points, you can flip it while still wet without ruining your work also.

Reduce time and achieve better results. Painter’s Pyramids will make any craft, home improvement or carpentry project easier. You won’t have to set your brush down until the job is done, so dirt and other contaminates will never make it onto the brush, or into the paint can. Because your project will not be resting directly on the ground, or flush to a table, it will dry faster, without sticking, and you will not risk any accidents, damage, or dirt that might otherwise cause you to fix or redo a portion of your work. These simple little guys will quickly become integral to all of your projects as they begin to save you time, and improve your results. They stack nicely for storage, and can be reused over and over again. Try some today, and the time and annoyance they save you will more than justify the purchase.

Painter’s Pyramids

Grabbers

Pyramid & Grabber Combo Pack

VersaSpin 360

A Helping Hand For Craft and Carpentry Projects - Simply Good Tips

A final, lesser noticed characteristic of a home with dry air, is that it will actually feel colder than it really is. The air becomes less dense, so at the same temperature, a home with humid air will feel warmer than one with dry air. This is nice in the summer because your home will be cooler when you want it to be, but during the colder months it is typically less desirable. Plus, there is a point at which this becomes bad, even in the summer because many people would trade a degree or two for skin that is less irritated or air that is easier to breathe. Anyone that lives in a humid climate knows all about how wet air makes you feel hot, and it works the same way inside as it does outside. If you add moisture, you will make you whole home more comfortable on several levels because it will help regulate the problems caused by the air being too dry.

The main way people go about counteracting stale, dry air brought on by geographical location, or internal climate control is to use a humidifier. You can get one that hooks up to your furnace or central AC and it will add humidity to your entire home as either unit runs. These devices work well, but they are pretty expensive and you will need to have a professional install it in most cases. This is why most of us will opt for a single room unit, and just place them where the most benefit is gained. It is common to see one in the living room, and then several more in other places like bedrooms and dining rooms. Because these units sit in full view, many of us would prefer one that adds to the appeal of our decor rather than detract from it. You want to have a humidifier that is highly efficient and long lasting, but it is also nice to have a decorative piece that will look nice in the room you have it in. This way you can gain all of the added benefits of increased humidity in your home, but you won’t have to stare at one of those sterile looking machines all the time.

A misting fountain is a great choice when looking for a decorative humidifier. They look great as they operate, and they are just as useful as any of those boring looking units. Essentially, they provide all of the benefits of a standard cool mist humidifier, but they look way better, and they are packed with added benefits that regular models don’t offer. When you use a misting fountain to humidify your home, you get a humidifier, an air purifier, a fragrance diffuser and a decorative lighting effect in one. It will pump just as much moisture into the air, and it will also clean it of contaminates at the same time. If you add some oil to the water, it will diffuse the fragrance into the air as it humidifies. Many units are controllable, so you can run them with just mist, or you can have them run with mist and lights. All of the misting fountains we carry are constructed with high quality materials, so you get metal and glass components, and there are several nice looking designs to choose from.

HOW DO THEY WORK
A misting fountain is a very efficient way to humidify your home. Most lower end humidifiers in the same general price range will not work as well. Those units often just spray water at a fan that points upward. This does disperse moisture into the air, but the droplets are pretty large, so not all will be absorbed, and this can lead to messes or general inefficiency of the unit. A misting fountain humidifies with a far finer particle. It is much more like fog or a cloud than it is like water droplets. For this reason, more moisture will be absorbed into the air, and less will end up around the device.

The composition of a misting fountain is essentially a bowl of water with a misting device siting in the middle. The bowl is often supported by a decorative stand, and there are other parts to prevent splashing, but it remains a pretty simple device. The misting unit will sit submerged in water, and when activated, it will begin to produce a thick cloud of natural mist on the top of the water. It will basically be evaporating the water in the bowl in order to create this cloud, and it will float around and absorb into the air in your home. Misting fountain humidifiers are  able to pump a large amount of water into the air without being messy, and since it is such a fine mist, it will mix with dry air better.

ADDED BENEFITS
As the misting unit runs, it creates fog, and increases humidity, but it also generates negative ions. These negative ions are attracted to the dust and pollen in the air, so they will attach to neutralize and eliminate them. In this way, a misting fountain is able to purify air as it acts as a decorative humidifier. The air will not only be packed with more moisture, it will also have less of the particles in it that cause problems or irritate allergies. If you are looking for a safer and more natural way to deodorize your home, a misting fountain can help there too. Due to the way the cloud of mist is generated, if you add fragrance oil to the water, it can mix the scent into the fog in order to diffuse it into the air as it runs. This means that you will be able to make the air in your home cleaner, better smelling and easier to breathe all at the same time.

You can run any controllable mister without the lights on, but when illuminated it really adds to the visual effect. Each misting unit has 12 LED lights that change colors. There are several different modes to choose from, and you will be able to set it to stay on your favorite one, or cycle through them all. When the lights shine, it will illuminate the glass bowl and the cloud of mist, so both parts will appear to change and take on whichever color is showing. This lighting feature adds extra appeal to an already incredibly functional device. It makes it pretty cool to look at, and almost demands questions from friends and family members that see it.

If you are trying to get rid of dry air in your home, then you are most likely in the market for a single room, cool mist humidifier. You could get a regular looking one, and it will add moisture to the air in order to prevent all of the situations commonly associated with living in dry air, but it won’t provide any benefits beyond that, and it won’t look very nice either. If you would prefer a better looking, more decorative humidifier, then a misting fountain is probably a better choice for you. It is a water feature and a humidifier in one. Instead of hearing the sound of a fan running, you will hear the gentle tinkling of water which is far more relaxing and non intrusive. You will have an amazing looking decor item that also serves a useful function. It will do the job just as well as a traditional unit, and in many ways, it’s operation will be more efficient and more beneficial.

If you already have a boring looking humidifier, a misting fountain would be a good upgrade or replacement unit. If you are just beginning to solve the problem of dry air in your home, then this humidifier option is a great place to start. Forget about that dry throat or itchy nose, and stop applying dose after dose of lotion to combat dry, itchy skin. Get a misting fountain to humidify your home and you will breathe easier and also have something great to look at too.

Misting Fountain Humidifier

A Decorative Humidifier - Simply Good Tips

Do you hate coming home to a dark house, or a house with no outside lights on? Sure you do. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the lights turn on right before you pull up? You bet it would. This would make it easier and safer to walk from your car to your house, and also less frustrating to unlock your front door. You can install different fixtures that have built in timers, motion sensors, or darkness sensors, but this can be an expensive task that is beyond the technical ability of most folks. You could also replace light switches in your home with fancy timers and digital switches, but once again, this can be very expensive, and quite possibly, more suited for a professional electrician. Beyond that, many homes are not able to be retrofitted with these devices, so they would require a much more expensive rewire and replacement. There is an easier and less expensive way to have lights turn on automatically, and it is a device that anyone can install in just seconds. Of course, programming will take another couple minutes, but you can fully automate any light inside or outside of your home in under five minutes with the AutoChron.

WHY DO I NEED AUTOMATIC LIGHTS?
You don’t have to be lazy to want automated lighting for your home. It can be a great thing for the lazy or forgetful people out there, but there are many benefits to automated lights beyond just saving you the energy from not having to flip the switch. It will simplify your life by eliminating mundane tasks, and will serve to make other tasks cheaper, easier, safer and less time consuming. Being lazy is not a requirement for ownership, and you don’t have to consider yourself lazy in order to have automated switches in your home. If you think about it, people that flip the same switch at the same times every single day are suckers for doing so, and you could consider them lazy for never having done something to eliminate that task from their everyday lives. If you know you are going to turn the same light on every night, and then back off at the same time a little while later, why would you want to waste your precious time and energy doing so when you could easily automate the task and have AutoChron turn your lights on and off for you.

The AutoChron will do much more than just give you a clearly lit path from your car to your front door at the time you come home from work. Because it isn’t just a dumb sensor, you can set outside lights to run for a specific amount of time when AutoChron is on the job. Unlike traditional sensors that just turn lights on when it is dark ,and leave them on until the darkness goes away, the AutoChron can turn them on when it gets dark, but then back off before the sun comes up. This will leave the exterior of your house lit when you care about it, but will allow you to automatically turn lights off in order to save money too. Installing the AutoChron also adds convenience because when you set it to control your outside lights, you will never have to worry about them again. The lights will always be on when you want them to, and you will never have to remember to shut them off. You can even set up complex programs to turn a light on and off multiple times in a single day, set different times for each day of the week, or schedule on/off cycles based upon groups of days. No one will be surprised or disappointed when they come home to a dark house, and you won’t waste money unnecessarily because the lights will shut off at the time you have preset. It will be impossible to forget to turn them on at night or leave them running all day once the AutoChron is set up.

This device is not just for outside lights. It can be just as convenient to have interior lights turn on and off automatically, so there is a large number of indoor applications that can make the AutoChron even more useful. Install one inside your house to have interior lights on when you get home at night, or when you wake up in the morning.  You can wake in the morning and make coffee without stumbling, or come home from work and put your stuff down without having to fumble for the switch first. Setup the AutoChron on a switch in your kitchen, and program it to turn on one minute before your alarm goes off. This way the lights near the coffee pot will be on right before you walk into the kitchen. It can be set to turn off automatically as you leave for work, but you can also operate it manually if you want. The AutoChron can even be set for a later time on the weekend so you can sleep in without worrying about wasting electricity. Plug your coffee pot into an outlet controlled by a switch and you can even have the AutoChron turn your coffee pot on at the same time as the lights. Set one up in the entryway for your home to have that little light turn on a minute or two before you get home from work. It can illuminate the space when needed, and you won’t have to leave it on all day. This will make it easier and more pleasant to come home after a long day at work.

The AutoChron is not just for lights. It works great to switch lights on and off automatically, but you can use it to operate any appliance or device that is hooked to a standard toggle switch. It is perfect for ceiling fans, space heaters, TV, stereos and so much more. If you want to cool or warm your house over night, you don’t really need to run a fan or heater all night long in order to remain comfortable while you sleep. Set the AutoChron to turn fans and heaters off in the middle of the night to save electricity and you can still have it cool or warm as you are falling asleep, but you can save money by not having them running for a full 8-10 hours. For convenience sake, you can hook other devices up to the AutoChron too. It can control anything hooked up to a switch, so your possibilities are endless, and each of us will have our own unique uses for this clever device.

When you are away from home for extended periods of time the AutoChron can be even more useful. When on vacation, or away on business, it can turn lights on and off to give the appearance that you are still there. This can be a great deterrent for would be robbers, and will give you added piece of mind when you are gone. Set one up on multiple switches in your home to have lights turn on and off at seemingly random times. You can have one upstairs and one downstairs so that it doesn’t look staged, and you don’t have to leave the lights on all day. This will be safer and more effective because people can see lights turn on at night instead of always noticing that that one light is lit all day long. The AutoChron even has a special setting for this and it will choose random times throughout the night to turn lights on and then back off. You can set one light to stay on all night, and then set another to the random cycle for the ultimate effect. You would be surprised at what a simple but effective security measure automatic lights can be.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The AutoChron is one of those devices that is made even more great thanks to it’s simplicity. Other similar units require complex wiring or intense, whole-house programming. The AutoChron is different. It is basically a computerized timer that is hooked up to a motor able to flip a switch. Once set up, the AutoChron is literally flipping the switch up and down in order to turn lights and other appliances on or off. This is what makes it easy to operate and simple to install. It attaches right over your existing switch plate with a single screw so installation is a snap, and only takes a matter of seconds. The programming will take slightly longer, but it is very straight forward, and it comes with easy to follow instructions.

Once set up, it will recognize and remember if the switch is on or off, and it will continue to work as programmed until you tell it not to. There are on and off buttons on the face of the device so you can always turn things on and off manually in between cycles if you need to. As an added benefit, the LCD display will show the current time and room temperature as well.

No one really needs automated lighting, but once you have it, you will wonder why you ever wasted time and energy flipping the same switch over and over again. The AutoChron is the easiest way to bring advanced automation to any switch in your home. It is an independent system that will allow you to program any light to turn on and off automatically. You will love the convenience it delivers, and the electricity it will save. It can put an end to dark houses when coming home at night, and can make sure you never forget to turn your outside lights on again. Add in the security it can provide when you leave your home for long periods, and this little guy can easily pay for itself in a short amount of time. If you have a light that you find yourself turning on and off at the same time(s) every day, or if you are constantly forgetting to turn outside lights on when it’s dark, or back off when they are not needed, get an AutoChron to do the work for you. It will automate the task, and ensure that you never have to think or worry about it again.

AutoChron – Wall Switch Timer

Turn Lights ON and OFF Automatically. - Simply Good Tips

It’s that time of year again, when many of us choose to cut down, and kill a perfectly good tree to set it up in our homes for Christmas. This seems like a good idea at the time, after all they smell great, and look better than a fake one. As time passes though, you begin to wonder why you thought it was so much better in the first place. The needles start to fall off the tree and coat your floors, carpet and furniture. They still smell good, but the little needles that fall are pokey, sticky and incredibly tiny. They will cover everything and they are not the easiest things in the world to clean up.

If you have ever tried to vacuum them up then you know the sound it makes. It’s one of those – “should I really be doing this right now?” sounds. Pine needles are a bit bulkier than your standard dirt, so vacuum cleaners can often have a hard time picking them up, and you do run the risk of damage if you are sucking up mass quantities of pine. It still smells really good when you are doing so, but the noise is horrendous. If you have hard floors then you probably have tried to sweep them up too. A traditional broom will not produce the best results for this type of debris, and in some cases it will seem like those little pine needles are just lying there laughing at you as you continue to sweep and sweep without ever completely removing them from your floors. If they land on your couch or chair, then you might try to brush them off with your hand, but all you have done is put more on the floor at that point. You could get out the dust buster or attachments for your regular vacuum, but these will produce less than stellar results.

SO WHAT IS THE BEST WAY?
The key to success with any cleaning job is to have the proper tools on hand. If you are working with adequate tools, then any cleaning task can be made quick and simple. For pine needles on floors you will want to use a rubber broom. It is hands down the quickest and most efficient tool for removing every last pine needle from your floors. It will work on both carpet and hard floors, so if you have pine needles on the ground, use the rubber broom. For needles that land on furniture, there are two tools that work extremely well. The Fluppi Handy Sweeper is ideal for small area clean-up, and is perfect for furniture, stairs, in your car, or even around the tree for light duty cleaning. You could also use the rubber brush which is basically a hand-held version of the larger broom. You would use this one for the same areas as the Fluppi, but some people will prefer one over the other. If you have sticky sap residue left behind after picking up all of the needles, then your final tool would be Quick n Brite. This natural cleaner is one of the most effective ways to remove sap from virtually any surface.

RUBBER BROOM
For pine needles on your carpet, give your vacuum cleaner a break. Bust out a rubber broom to make quick work of those needles, and completely remove them in less time than any vacuum cleaner could. You will hear less noise, and it won’t take several tries to get up all of the tree bits from your floor. When using the broom on carpet, you will want to use shorter strokes to build up a super strong static charge. Pull the broom towards you and it will literally pull the needles up and out of the nap of your carpet. The flexible bristles get down deep and form a wall to ensure that no pine is left behind. If you are working on hardwood, linoleum or any other hard surface it will be even easier. You will still pull the broom towards you, but you won’t need to use such short strokes. The tough natural rubber bristles will conform to uneven floors and sweep up every last needle in very little time. On this type of surface the static charge will aid in cleaning, but also prevents the fly away effect as well. This means that all of the needles you sweep will remain right next to the broom until you are ready to dispose of them.

HANDY SWEEPER & RUBBER BRUSH
For smaller areas of floor, furniture or inside your car, you will want to use a different tool. The Handy Sweeper is ideal for small space clean up because everything you sweep is contained inside the unit until you dump it. Simply roll the Fluppi Handy Sweeper over the needles and they will be pulled into the storage container. A quick back and forth motion is all it takes to completely clean any surface of needles. Once the container is full simply pop it open to dump them in the trash. Now this tool would not be the best for large areas, but for small spot cleaning or for de-needling your car after you bring your tree home, this tool is ideal. Another small tool that can be incredibly handy is the rubber brush. This smaller rubber bristled tool will perform just like the broom but on a smaller scale. Use it on furniture, stairs, or hard to reach areas around the tree. It will also build a static charge, and will most likely perform just a bit better than ther handy sweeper on carpet. With these small tools it really comes down to preference as to which one is best for you. Either tool will make cleaning up after your tree much easier and less time consuming though.

QUICK N BRITE
So, if you are lucky enough to have a tree that is extra sappy, then chances are you will have some sticky residue underneath all of those needles you just cleaned. If that is the case, then there is one cleaner that makes removal of sap pretty darn easy. Traditional methods and cleaners don’t tend to be very effective on sap, and many of us stick with the I’ll just wait until it wears off method. This is not the best idea because the sticky sap will just attract dirt, and you will be left with an even bigger mess to clean. If you have some Quick n Brite on hand then a few simple steps will eliminate the stickiness with very little effort. Use some of the paste full strength to achieve the best results. For lighter duty cleaning, a heavy solution in a spray bottle may be adequate. Simply apply the cleaner to the affected area and let it sit for about ten minutes. Once it has had time to work, take a clean terry cloth towel and buff the area clean. Just a single application should totally remove any sight of sap or stickiness to the touch. This cleaner is safe to use on virtually any surface and won’t discolor or harm carpet, upholstery or anything else. It is a natural cleaner and does not contain any harsh chemicals. Whats even better is that it works just as well on hundreds of other stains and messes too, so you can buy it to take off the sap, and then discover all of the other ways it will save you time and money too.

So don’t forgo the real tree just because you afraid of the mess it might make. They really do smell great, and you can’t beat the look of the real thing. Just make sure you have the right tools on hand and cleaning up those pine needles will be a breeze.

Rubber Broom

Rubber Brush

Fluppi Handy Sweeper

Quick N Brite

Clean Up Pine Needles Indoors - Simply Good Tips

A lot of folks think that maintaining hardwood is a real pain, but it can actually be quite easy if you go about it in the right way. The part that is a pain is the risk of damage. You never want to use too much water on wood floors, and many mops are designed to be used with ample water that results in puddling on the floor. This can lead to damage over time because even the best sealed floors are susceptible to damage by moisture. Certain cleaning solutions will also contain harsh chemicals and other ingredients that are not good for your floors either. These cleaners can destroy the finish on your floors and even damage the wood itself. You always have to be careful that you are using the right kind of cleaner and the right amount. The easiest way to prevent damage to hardwood floors when cleaning them is to eliminate the harsh cleansers, and reduce the amount of liquid applied to the floor. This is why a microfiber mop is the perfect type of mop to use on wood floors.

A microfiber mop uses very little water and does not require any additional cleansers to get your floors clean. Just get the reusable pad damp and glide the mop across your floors to get them super clean in a hurry. You will be removing 99% of all dirt, dust, germs and grime from your floors with only a tiny bit of water as the detergent. You will be using so little water that your floors will be dry seconds after you get them clean. This means no streaking, no additional drying, and absolutely no damage to your beautiful hardwood floors.

Once mopping is complete simply remove the pad and throw it in the laundry. Our microfiber mop pads are totally reusable and can be washed hundreds of times before they need to be replaced. The advanced microfiber material these pads are made of is what makes the mop so great. The advanced material will glide effortlessly across your floor and the teeny tiny fibers will skim the surface to remove all of the dirty build-up. Microfiber has the unique ability to clean and polish at the same time, so your floors will look better than ever in very little time. A single cleaning with one of our microfiber mops will thoroughly clean the surface, and leave floors naturally polished.

If you have never used a microfiber mop, then you will be amazed at just how well they clean along with how ridiculously easy they are to use. The chore of mopping is transformed from a dreaded chore into a quick and simple task. There is no prep work of preparing buckets or filling sinks, and you will never have to go over your floor more than once or spend any time drying after you should already be finished. You will be able to get your floors cleaner in less time with a microfiber mop, and you will also save money as you use it. Microfiber mops are totally eco friendly and don’t leave any sort of residue or film on your floors. You can feel good about kids and pets getting close to the floor, and there wont be any sticky layer that only attracts more dirt quicker.

12″ Microfiber Mop
This mop comes as a set with four pads included. There are three different types of pads, so you will have one for every type of floor cleaning you might be doing. It features a smaller head, that some people find more suited to household use. The high quality pads make cleaning easy, and the advanced pivoting head ensures that no surface is out of reach. In the package, you get a dusting pad, a chenille pad, and two multipurpose pads because most customers will use that one more often.

18″ Household Swivel Mop
This microfiber mop only comes with a single pad, but it features a larger head. The 18″ width means you can clean more surface area in less time, but it may be too large for some people’s homes. This one comes with a single multipurpose pad that can be used wet or dry for cleaning any type of hard floor. Use it dry for dusting and light sweeping, or get it wet to deep clean those floors. It also features a swivel head and high quality microfiber pads.

18″ 3-In-1 Microfiber Mop
This would be the ultimate tool for dust mopping or deep cleaning your wood floors. It offers all of the benefits of the regular, household model, but has an advanced head for improved performance. It will also be slightly more heavy duty for all components. The head on this one features a non-abrasive scrubbing edge and a squeegee edge. You can mop with this one just like normal one, but when you encounter a tough spot, just flip it to the scrubber edge to power it away. Because it is non-abrasive to delicate surfaces, it won’t harm the wood or cause any scratching. It will quickly remove any caked on dirt so that you can keep on mopping, and you will never have to bend over or strain. The squeegee edge can help to dry wet surfaces in order to prevent spotting, or damage. It also has the larger 18″ pad size, but it comes with two included with the purchase. Both can be used wet or dry, but one has integrated stripes that will give you a bit more scrubbing power and ability to lift up debris as you clean.

Whichever mop you choose, you are sure to have a quick and easy way to get those hardwood floors incredibly clean in very little time. You will be able to “go green” with a high quality tool that actually works. Pretty much anyone that uses one of these mops would never want to use anything else. Try for yourself and you will see just how easy it can be to clean hard wood floors.

12″ Microfiber Mop Set

18″ Microfiber Swivel Mop

3-in-1 Smart Microfiber Mop

More Cleaning Stuff

The Perfect Mop For Hardwood Floors - Simply Good Tips

Our Royal Crown Fleece Sheets are perfect for cold winter nights thanks to  their warm fluffy texture. They feel extremely soft to the touch, and feature a plush, brushed fleece finish. They are the ultimate in warmth and comfort with a softness level you have to feel to believe. Staying asleep will be easy when you slip into these thick cozy sheets. They will keep you warm all night long so you won’t need the heat on. They are incredibly cuddly, so they are perfect for colder temperatures, but are also great for anyone that is interested in a ridiculously comfortable bed.  They have a deep, plushy pile that makes them super warm, yet almost weightless against your body. These sheets are very durable, low stretch and sewn with deep pockets to accommodate almost any bed type. Because these sheets are made from microfiber, they are uniquely able to pull moisture and humidity away from your body, assuring you a good night’s sleep in any temperature or season. Wrap yourself in fuzzy warmth when you make your bed with these sheets. Turn your furnace down before you hit the sack, and relax in warm comfort all night long. You will save money and get a better night’s sleep. What more could you ask for.

Each set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases. Machine wash gentle, tumble dry. Available in twelve great colors at an incredibly low price.

These fleece sheets will easily outperform flannel, cotton jersey or other similar styles of bed sheets. Find similar sets at department stores locally for more than twice the price. Once you snuggle into a set of these wonderful fleece bed sheets, you’ll never go back to anything else. Save on your heating bill by switching to a warmer, more comfortable set of sheets.

Fleece Bed Sheets

Save Money On Your Heating Bill - Simply Good Tips

Our microfiber bath mat is super absorbent and fast drying at the same time. Because it is constructed from advanced microfiber material, it is able to soak up more water than a cotton mat, and then dry quicker too. This means that it will hold up to more traffic, and it will always be dry and ready to go when you need it. Microfiber has incredible wicking power that allows it to suck up water and lock it in. The soft fluffy fibers will feel great on your feet as the absorb every last drop of water. Once used, the mat will dry completely, in less time even if left lying on the floor. A non-slip bottom ensures that this high quality bath mat will remain exactly where you put it. The backing on this mat sticks securely to the floor so you have a safe and comfortable surface to step out on.

Available in a nice neutral tan color, this mat blends well with any bathroom decor. It features a light tan colored center, with a darker colored border. This fast drying bath mat also comes in three different sizes, so you are sure to find one that fits perfectly into your bathroom. Discover a softer, fluffier, more absorbent and quicker drying mat for your bathroom. This ultra plush microfiber bathmat is the perfect addition to any bathroom.

Microfiber Bath Mat

A Fast Drying Bath Mat - Simply Good Tips

The Pumpkin Mist is a misting fountain and would be perfect for inside your house, on your front porch, or peeking out a window. No matter where you place it, this Jack-O-Lantern is sure to draw attention. It is illuminated from the inside by a ring of 12 LED lights. It shines brightly and has the ability to change colors. You can even set it to stay on a single color too or operate with no lights at all. But what’s even better is the misting part. Once activated, mist starts to form inside the pumpkin and then flows out of the mouth. An endless stream of thick billowy smoke will pour from the front of this pumpkin for a truly amazing effect. It is both spooky and fascinating at the same time. Simply fill the pumpkin with water, plug it in and turn it on. That’s all there is to it.

The mist created looks like fog or smoke, but it is nothing more than natural water vapor. There are no chemicals or dry ice involved. As long as there is water inside, this scary little fellow will keep pumping out mist. Just think of how all those trick-or-treaters will react. This awesome decoration will be a favorite of children and adults alike. Set up is simple too because there is nothing to put together. You only have to fill it with enough water and plug the unit into a standard outlet. The lights on this unit are totally controllable and it has 16 different lighting modes. An inline control unit allows you to turn the pumpkin on and off, change lighting modes and adjust the mist volume.  Improve your Halloween display with this pumpkin mister. It is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Pumpkin Mist

The Ultimate Halloween Decoration - Simply Good Tips

Our microfiber sheets are super comfortable all year long, but can be especially nice during hot weather. They are made from a microfiber material woven together tightly at an incredible 800 threads per square inch. This construction makes them super soft and ridiculously comfortable, but the uniqueness of the fabric also makes them great for summer. Because microfiber is so fine, yet super strong, it creates a very durable sheet that is also light weight. It also allows the sheets to breathe quite well too. You will find that these sets of sheets feel cool, crisp and super comfortable all summer long. The high thread count not only makes the sheets soft, but also gives them a slight luster too. The silk-like fabric has a real high class look to it and the price tag is quite affordable too.

If you have trouble sleeping during hot summer nights due to being overheated and uncomfortable then you need to give these sheets a try. They are great for hot weather, but will offer a soft and silky nights sleep any time of the year. Each set is an incredible value at such an affordable price, and we have several styles to choose from. They feature a high thread count weave, and come in four or six piece sets. Each set will include 2 or 4 pillow cases, 1 fitted sheet, and 1 flat sheet. They are available in King or Queen and 12 different colors. You will find it harder than ever to get out of bed once you start using these sheets and hot sweaty nights will be a thing of the past. Order your set today and start enjoying your cool and restful nights.

Microfiber Sheets

Cool Bed Sheets For Hot Summer Nights - Simply Good Tips

Add some luxury to your bedroom with these amazing sheets. Each set is an incredible value at such a low price and features high quality sheets with an incredible 400 thread count weave. They are made from Egyptian Cotton, which gives them a shiny and silk-like look. These bed sheets come in a set of six pieces that includes four pillow cases, one fitted sheet and one flat sheet. The fitted sheets feature extra deep pockets, so they fit great on thicker mattresses and pillow-top model beds. The 15 inch pockets will accommodate mattresses of up to 18 inches thick. Because they are offered in a wide array of colors and sizes, you are sure to find the perfect shade and fit for every bed in your home.

At one time Egyptian cotton sheets were sold primarily in the more expensive stores but today you can find them in most linen departments. These sheets are comparable to versions sold at stores, but at a fraction of the cost. You will easily pay twice as much for similar sheets at your local department store. Order Yours Today!

Great Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets at an Amazing Price - Simply Good Tips

I did a deep closet cleaning a year ago, and let me tell you, such heavy ‘mental bags’ were lifted off my shoulders. I gave away 11 bags worth of clothing and shoes (see picture) and I felt like a new person: empowered, organized, light and a new beginning.

Here are some strategies for cleaning out your closet space…

Make sure to set aside sufficient time for cleaning. To maximize effectiveness, set aside at least an hour for decluttering and organizing your closet space, or for big cleaning jobs, several sections of time over several days.

SORT AND REMOVE CLUTTER

Removing the clutter is the first step. For this, you will need three boxes and a trash bag.

• Box A – holds items that belong in a place other than your closet.
• Box B – is for items you no longer need and will donate to charity.
• Box C - is for items you should get rid of but feel emotionally unready to give up, i.e., that $100 shirt you bought 2 years ago but never wore.
• Trash bag is for any trash you find.

Sort through each item in your closet and decide very quickly which items to keep and which to give away. As you sort, here are several things to consider:

• Have you used the item in the past year? If not, it’s probably time to let it go.
• Do you own more than one of an item? If so, do you really need multiples of one item?
• As you sort clothing, make sure each item fits and still looks attractive. If not, donate or trash it.
• For shoes, make sure each pair corresponds to at least one set of clothing you actually wear. If not, there isn’t really a reason to keep them.
• With memorabilia, decide if you truly need to keep it. Can you take a picture of it instead and give the item away?

After you’ve finished sorting,

• Box A – The contents should be distributed to the correct place in your home.
• Box B – Take it directly to your vehicle to give to a local thrift store or charity the next time you’re out.
• Box C – Set it aside for a month. If you don’t need the items inside within a month, it’s likely you never will. You can then donate them to charity.
• Trash – throw away

ORGANIZE

Because your closet is now cleaned out, it will be much easier to organize. Consider the following organizing tips:

• Try using stackable see-through plastic bins for your storage items. This allows you to easily see what’s inside.
• Take some time to organize your clothing in a system that works for you. Many people separate clothing by type – pants and tops, work clothing and casual clothing, or winter clothing and summer clothing. Others separate clothing by color which has the side benefit of making your closet attractive as well as organized. The method you choose is completely up to you; just choose a system that makes sense for your life.
  • For example, I separate my major sections by business casual, evenings and slacks. Within each section, I separate the pants and the tops. Within the tops, I separate button down shirts with casual blazers. I also separate the button-down shirts by blacks, whites, stripes, and other colors. I keep heavier items such as blazers, jackets on the ends of the closet, to keep out of the way from the middle sections, giving the closet a ‘light’ feeling.
• It may be helpful to purchase organizing tools such as shoe organizers, over the door hooks, and shelving. This helps maximize your closet space.
• Label your storage boxes. You don’t want to have to open every box to find out what’s inside. And please, don’t use a pen to do labeling. Use a black permanent marker. Sharpes are your friends.
• Get nice hangers. When I reorganized my closet, I went out and got wood hangers and got rid of all the random miscellaneous mis-matching hangers I had in the closet. This way, all your hangings look consistent (like in a store). It’s very calming for the mind to look at. I feel so good each time I look inside the closet, that I’ve already got my money’s worth after the first 3 days.

After all your hard work, step back and fully enjoy the fruit of your labor. How do you feel? Pretty rewarding, eh? You will suddenly experience a sense of mental clarity and calmness as a result of days.

Tina is passionate about Personal Development and Spiritual Growth. She runs multiple businesses and has learned how to do so without any Stress. Visit her website at Think Simple. Be Decisive for her secrets to Productivity, Motivation, Creativity and Happiness.

To see the images from the original article, please visit here: “Cleaning Out Your Life: One Closet at a Time”

Cleaning Out Your Life – One Closet at a Time - Simply Good Tips

Save money and the planet with eco-friendly Christmas decorations. Rather than plastic tinsel and baubles, how about decorating your home for Christmas with biodegradable ivy, holly and berries? Simply drape over mirrors and picture frames for a natural alternative and a traditional Christmas atmosphere.

Rather than spending money and using resources for gift tags, a great use for old Christmas cards is to cut them up and re-use them as this years gift tags.

Most households will produce a lot of waste paper at Christmas, be sure to use this as an opportunity to recycle this waste paper. If the facilities exist in your community take advantage of this easy way to help preserve resources.

Over the past few years the availability of eco-friendly gifts for men, women and children has greatly increased. There are many online stores that now specialize in eco-friendly, sustainable gifts and gadgets, from eco-friendly beauty products to solar powered boys toys (gadgets always seem to be popular with men in many families, worldwide). Why not make this years Christmas a sustainable, eco-friendly celebration?

Eco-Friendly, Quality Online Stores – Hand-Picked at EcoShopGuide.com

Eco Christmas – Top Tips To A Green Christmas - Simply Good Tips

Whether making one or several eco-friendly garlands, begin by gathering the appropriate ingredients. Most importantly, use either firm, fresh cranberries or frozen cranberries. If you use thawed berries the results will be messy. Popcorn is a great addition to add texture and variation, just make sure that you use popcorn that is completely plain. Stale popcorn, unsalted and unbuttered is the best to work with because the kernels are less likely to fall apart. Next, you need thread and a large-eyed needle.

There are options for the thread depending on your preference. The most eco-friendly choice is organic cotton thread, which can be purchased in the sewing department of most retailers. Another option is waxed dental floss. The waxed coating speeds the process of stringing the berries, so if you have children participating this might be a good choice. Just remember that if you place the dental floss garland outside for the birds, it should be removed and disposed of once our feathered friends are finished feasting on the treats.

You will need two buttons or beads (preferably made of wood), and you’ll begin by cutting your thread the desired length and tying the button or bead to the end to make a stop. Then thread your needle with the other end of the length of the thread and begin piercing frozen cranberries, stringing them onto the line one at a time. If you are incorporating popcorn, simply thread through the center of the kernel. Simple garlands offer a classic appeal, but there are obviously many variations depending on your decor or holiday theme. Other natural embellishments include whole cinnamon sticks (which can be threaded through their opening in the center of the stick), dried apple or orange slices, and raisins.

Thread the elements that you select and knot the end of the thread to finish. Complete the garland by tying another button or bead at the end. You’re now ready to wrap your creation around the tree, decorate an evergreen wreath, or perhaps brighten up the mantle. For photo and video illustrations, visit natural mindset. Then, enjoy admiring your efforts and know that you are not only brightening your little corner of the world, but the planet as a whole.

Eco-Friendly Christmas Decor – Make a Cranberry Garland - Simply Good Tips

If you design your office properly and decorate it with some unique touches, however, you’ll soon discover that your co-workers are less stressed, more productive and generally in a better frame of mind. Why? Because the right office environment affects your mood. Here are some tips for creating a unique office environment that make coming to work a lot more enjoyable.

1. Remember that traditional doesn’t have to be boring. Is this an insurance office? Law office? That doesn’t mean you have to stick with stodgy office furniture and traditional dark leather furnishings. Mix it up by considering traditional styles in bright, contemporary colors or go with traditional dark leathers and fabrics but choose unusual furniture like the newer mesh back designs that are comfortable and sleek. The unexpected always livens things up.

2. Focus on little details for big impact. Every office desk chair has to have one of those awful plastic or rubber mats to protect the floor, right? Wrong! Check out some of the beautiful new options that protect wood floors and carpeting while putting style under everyone’s feet. You can get elegant, durable wood floor mats with rubber backing that work anywhere and come in rich woods like walnut, cherry, teak and bamboo. Everyone will feel like they have their own hardwood floor!

3. Forget the motivational posters. You see them in every office, with photos of eagles soaring or someone climbing a mountain and an inspirational quote at the bottom. Ditch these and go for something more high-end and less junior high. One or two fine art prints, professionally matted and framed, will look so much more elegant than ten motivational posters. They’ll even make your office furniture look newer and brighter.

4. Open things up. Your reception area doesn’t have to look daunting. In fact, you should aim for an office environment that’s welcoming for your clients, so get rid of the 1980′s corporate power desk where the receptionist perches to look down on everyone who walks in. A smaller, lower desk will seem more approachable. The same goes for your reception area. You don’t need long banks or chairs stiffly lined up against the wall – it’s too cold and sterile. Instead, scatter chairs around the room in informal groupings with small tables in between.

And while you’re at it, remove any partitions between desks that aren’t absolutely necessary. Studies have shown that blocking everyone up into cubicles doesn’t enhance improvement. An open work area with desks that have a clear view of each other actually encourages performance.

5. Use bolder colors. Old school decorating rules for offices would tell you to stay neutral and stick with soothing, calming colors; in other words – bland. But if you want a unique office environment that people will remember and feel good about, you should stand out – and the quickest way to achieve that is with color – bold, intense color! Choose bright, saturated colors for your walls, or paint only two walls and paint the other two in a more muted version. The message? Your company is bold, innovative and energetic!

6. Show your animal side. Animal prints can work in an office! Yes, small doses of these wonderful prints can give you a truly unique office décor as long as it’s not overpowering. Try office chairs upholstered in matching animal prints. In a sleek chrome and black office, zebra print task chairs will look wonderful. If you’ve decorated in rich shades of honey and warm woods, tiger striped chairs will add the final touch to your office furniture. Just remember to stick with one print and use it for only one thing – don’t go overboard with too much of a great thing.

Kim Blithe is a contributing author for Best Price Office Furniture . Visit them today to view their huge selection of discount office furniture and executive office furniture. Find the perfect office chairs, desks, office chairs and storage solutions today!

[ Unique Decor ]

6 Tips For A Unique Office Environment - Simply Good Tips

2. Choose some encouraging words to put on your wall – Make your home personal. What inspires you and your family? Decorating should be personal and what is more personal than an inspiring message on the wall. It could be a classic message or words you put together yourselves. I personally have – Do the thing you think you can not do, by Eleanor Roosevelt inspiring me daily, on my wall. You can paint them your selves or use templates. You can also order online.

3. Rearrange the furniture you have – Rearrange the furniture you already own, it will not get cheaper than that. Sometimes by just changing the setting you will get a totally new room. Clean out what you don’t like or want. Change position of a chair, move a picture… Do not put all your furniture along the wall, if you have a long room try to move the couch out in the middle of the room or maybe an armchair. If you have a book shelf you can divide your long room in to two sections. Put a nice fabric on the back and it will look great from both sides.

4. Play with your light – Great light is very important, critical to a lot of interior decorators. Nothing can uplift a room as much as the right light does. You can play with colored lamps and put light were it surprises you. Buy a new lamp or move the lights around, try what works for you. One idea is to put rope light along a stairway or an outdoor entrance.

5. Concentrate the art – Make a picture wall or a wall with art, with a different shape, use your imagination to create the outer shape of the frames. Have the same frames in different sizes, in line with the same distance between the frames. The main rule is to line the pictures up either by bottom edge or top edge of the frames or have a mid line between the pictures. The picture looks best in eye level. Big colorful paintings do themselves best on a big wall with a lot of space around the piece. You can also group pictures with similar motives, colors or feeling together. Try different combinations before you start putting the nails in the walls. Putting a light on a special picture or painting, can make a huge difference.

6. Modern with fabric – Fabric is a fantastic material that comes in so many colors and patterns. You can get them in large wall hangings or smaller pieces of fabric on a frame. They are very affordable. Check out www.avecdeco.com they have fantastic contemporary style wall hangings. They also have a lot of Scandinavian inspired products.

7. Use all your senses – It is not just what we see and feel that is importing to decorating but also what we smell, taste and hear. A fresh bouquet of flowers is the oldest quickest decorating idea. There is something special about fresh air so make sure you get that fresh air in your house, often. You can also use your favorite candle or incense and of course make sure you have some nice music to listen to, this will make a different in the total impression.

Veronica Lanzer is a successful freelance writer and the owner of http://www.avecdeco.com an interior decorating shop with modern contemporary products.

[ Home Decor Stuff ]

7 Quick And Easy Contemporary Interior Decorating Ideas - Simply Good Tips

Do you love painting, but hate waiting for things to dry before you can paint the reverse side. Then You need the Painter’s Pyramid. This incredible little device makes painting faster and more efficient because you don’t have to wait before moving on to paint the back or sides of an object. With this great little device you can paint and stain almost anything in half the time. Doors, shelves, drawers, canvas and more can be supported by these little pyramids. They elevate the piece off the ground so it is easy to paint the sides and you don’t run the risk of contaminating the brush or having the painted piece stick to the floor when dry. Just paint the top surface and then flip it over. The rounded corners make minimal contact and won’t stick. You never have to touch up your work when you use these and they will stand up to any paint, stain, or solvent. Get the Painter’s Pyramid today and make the chore of painting easier. They even have holes in the side so you can attach them to a work table or saw horses for stability and versatility. Get 10 of these for one low price. So simple, yet so useful. The perfect tool for any painter, crafter or artist.

Painter’s Pyramid

Paint Without The Wait! - Simply Good Tips

[ Misting Fountains ] – an incredibly unique and sleek lighting accent

Furniture is another big thing in a contemporary home decor themed room. The most popular furniture is made either of oak, cherry, or birch, but bamboo and rattan are becoming more and more popular. Another trend in contemporary home decor furnishings in metal framed furniture. One less trendy, but still popular form of contemporary furniture is upholstered furniture with abstract designs using wools, cotton, and leather. Armani once said that contemporary home decor furnishings are “a subtle richness, not an obvious beauty”.

Contemporary home decor also focuses on the bedrooms in a home, especially the master bedroom. One fabulous contemporary bedroom decor item to have is a platform bed. A platform bed does not have a foot board and the box spring is already built in, these features keep with the clean strong lines of contemporary home decor. Add a black and white or a beige comfort with a bold colored sheet and you have the latest trend in contemporary home decor in your bedroom.

Bathrooms are another hot commodity when it comes to a contemporary home decor theme. Visitors will end up seeing one of your bathrooms, so why not follow the latest trends and make it a contemporary one. Contemporary bathroom trends focus on stainless steel, glass, and acrylic made into clean cut lines. You might even find a black and white or stainless steel toilet. Hot things to have for a contemporary home decor bathroom is a vessel sink with the faucet/spout in the wall and not on the sink.

Contemporary home decor trends will always change and it is not necessary to keep up with them. The important thing to do when using a contemporary home decor theme is stick with clean lines, neutral colors with bold accents, and minimal decorations. Focus on these features, while personalizing the space will give you a contemporary home decor.

Deb Werner is the owner and writer for Habitat Designs, an online home furnishing store offering contemporary home decor goods. Find products that are perfect for adding trendy sophistication to your living space. Visit http://www.habitatdesigns.net for more Home Decor ideas.

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Latest Trends in Contemporary Home Decor - Simply Good Tips

Water fountains are considerably easier to deal with then a water garden. Fountains must be regularly cleaned, but really require little upkeep. If you want a successful water garden you will probably need to invest a little more time, especially when you’re first trying to get it established. When creating a water garden, it is vital that you understand the relationships between the plants and animals coexisting in this environment. If you want your water garden to thrive, you’ll need to take special care to choose the right fauna and flora.

Many new pond owners have problem with algae. If you don’t want to be cleaning out your pond every few weeks, adding a few fish can greatly help as can floating plants which help to reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the algae. Ensure you don’t have an excessive amount of chlorine in your water, especially if you have fish. You may want to install a pump and/or a filter along with regularly checking the pH level of water (should be between six and eight).

If you’re having your pond installed for you, ask the professionals for advice on getting started. If you are still unsure about where to start you can also buy one of several books which can guide you step-by-step through the process of creating your own water garden. Once your pond is established you will likely find the upkeep to be quite minimal.

Many people find that adding a water feature to their yard can literally transform their entire surroundings. Ponds, fountains, and waterfalls add a natural beauty and serenity to any outdoor area, no matter how small or modest.

[ Outdoor Fountains ]

Adding a Water Feature to Your Yard - Simply Good Tips

Most homeowners want a nicely landscaped yard. Yet many of these people cannot afford to hire professional landscapers.

If you fall into this group it doesn’t mean that you have to forgo some nice landscaping around your home. It means you have to take some time learning how to do it yourself.

The Internet is a great place to find landscaping design ideas to help you get started. Searching for terms such as “landscape designs” and “landscaping ideas” and “landscaping diy” will bring up a lot of good Web sites to visit for ideas and to learn the basics.

To learn which plants do well in your area, what plants need shade and what plants want sunshine, you can visit a local nursery. Usually workers at a nursery that only sells plants and gardening supplies will give you a lot more information than a garden center at a large department store.

At the nursery you can also find out which tools you need to make the job easier and more enjoyable. The right tool can make the difference between struggling for hours or getting the job done in minutes.

Some things to consider including in your landscaping would be: Garden fountain, rock gardens (which can be very attractive if done correctly), raised beds, a play area for children, an area for a vegetable garden, and a pond.

Landscaping Ideas

Some tips to help you get started would include the following: First, when making your landscaping plans keep in mind that you need to work with the current land formation. Any changes you make to the land must blend with the surroundings.

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Second, it is often nice to integrate a small water formation to the landscape. This acts to cool the surroundings, encourage plants to grow well, and to encourage animals to come and visit. Water adds natural beauty to any yard if done correctly.

Third, you may want to put up a man made structure like a gazebo or trellis to provide shade and shelter incase of rain. By considering the size, the overall design, and the building materials, any of these types of structures can fit well into the landscape design of your yard.

What Plants to Use in Your Landscaping Plans

Some things to keep in mind include these tips: Small areas need small plants that do not grow fast or grow big. If you put fast-growing plants in small areas they will restrict the growth of smaller plants and destroy the nice effect that you were hoping for.

Keep in mind, too, whether you want to spend a lot of time outdoors taking care of the yard. If you don’t mind spending a lot of time doing yard work you will choose different plants and trees than if you want to minimize the time needed for tending to your garden.

As you get started learning about landscaping ideas and designs, you will find that doing your own landscaping can be fun after you learn the basics. It can give you a great sense of achievement to turn an ugly plot of ground into a beautiful garden that you can be proud of.

[ Outdoor Fountains ]

Discover many more landscaping ideas and tips at LandscapingTipsOnline.com where we have only one goal: To help you transform your yard into a showcase.

Landscaping Ideas For Doing It Yourself - Simply Good Tips

The way furniture is arranged should play to the focal point of the room. For instance, if the fireplace is the center piece of the room, arrange furniture in a manner that directs the attention to the fireplace. Place the larger pieces of furniture at least eight inches from the wall. This adds dimension to the room, interest, and a sense of spaciousness. If possible, avoid placing furniture in areas that block access to the room.

Although Feng Shui decorating may not work for everyone, it places emphasis on creating positive energy in a manner that matters to you in order to attract abundance and wealth. Feng Shui literally means “wind water” and is part of an ancient Chinese philosophy of nature. It is the Chinese art of placing objects in patterns of yin and yang and the flow of chi that have positive and negative effects. It teaches us how the spaces in our home can be designed and rearranged following the Feng Shui principles in order to supply us with the right balance and harmony.

One of the most important Feng Shui concepts is the Bagua energy map that is shaped like an octagon. Bagua is a tool we can use to determine each living or working space. This idea divides any space into nine areas, with each area corresponding to a different part of your life. The nine areas that correspond to the Bagua are prosperity, fame and reputation, love and relationships, family, health, creativity and children, knowledge and skills, helpful people and travel, and career.

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Furthermore, Feng Shui contains five main elements that should be kept in mind when harmonizing our environment: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Each of these elements moves in a different manner and makes the energy of the environment differ.

The term “chi” represents the energy that is always changing and moving, and relies on the five elements. Feng Shui examines the way the chi moves and behaves as an invisible force that decides the kind of energy that objects and everything that is around us contain.

So then what does Feng Shui decorating encompass? It’s about utilizing the space in your home or office effectively in order to attract and keep the chi in. To give you an example, the manner in which we position our desk can determine the harmony we feel within that space and affect factors, such as our ability to concentrate when working in that space. Furthermore, a Feng Shui office entrance should face an open area creating a bright hall effect. The use of mirrors can be used in an office to good effect. Also, placing a desk with your back against the window should be avoided. A Feng Shui office desk should ideally face the door at an angle with your back to the wall for support. Also, incorporate the objects o the five elements to give energy to your desk. Lastly, balance light and dark colors in the office, along with smooth and rough textures.

As you can see, Feng Shui offers us a very rich and wonderful avenue to explore. In attaining the knowledge it lends us, you can learn while improving your space. By doing so, Feng Shui allows us to maximize the environment we live in while improving our lifestyle.

Giorgina Devereaux is the creator of FurnitureMedley.com, which features furniture website reviews and articles on home decor and furniture. For more information, please visit http://www.FurnitureMedley.com

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The Art of Furniture Arrangement and Feng Shui - Simply Good Tips

Calligraphy
For elegant weddings the invitations and envelopes may be written in calligraphy. This is an incredibly elegant way to create your invitations and they will be stunning and different than most other invitations out there. You will love the way they look and be amazed at the elegance they exude, which is perfect for your elegant wedding!

Stamps
A fun and creative way to make your wedding invitations extra special is to have your stamps printed with a photo of the bride and groom. This can easily be done over the Internet by uploading your photo and then it will be converted into stamps and mailed to you. Then you simply apply the photo stamp to your invitations and send them out. Everyone will love to get a look at the bride and groom not to mention it is a special way to make the wedding invitation envelope just a little different than all the rest.

These are just a few ideas you might use to make your wedding invitations extra special or perhaps these ideas will help you come up with some ideas of your own. No matter what you do as long as you are happy with it then it is a good idea!

Natalie Aranda is a freelance writer. Weddings are very special occasions and because of this you want to make every aspect of the wedding process as elegant as possible right down to the wedding invitation envelope. There are lots of ways you can get creative on your wedding invitations and make them extra special and beautiful for your special wedding day. The wedding invitation ideas will help you get an idea of what might work for your own wedding invitations and envelopes.

Creativity on Wedding Invitation Envelopes - Simply Good Tips

Probably the best place to start your search for an indoor fountain is on the Internet, because that is where you will be able to get information on all types and models of indoor tabletop fountains, floor fountains, wall fountains, and waterfall fountains. When looking for a quality indoor fountain there are four principal issues that you should consider: materials, size, price, and design.

Indoor fountains can be purchased that are made of a wide variety of materials that include:

*Ceramic. *Stainless steel. *Acrylic. *Slate. *Marble. *Stone. *Fiberglass. *Plastic. *Copper. *Bronze. *Glass. *Aluminum.

The size of indoor fountain that you ultimately choose depends on the space you have available. Indoor tabletop fountains are obviously small enough to fit on a bedside table or countertop and are easily moved out of the way when necessary. Floor fountains, come in both large and small models, but by their very nature require dedicated space. The nice thing about indoor wall fountains is that they can be mounted out of the way without taking up any floor or table space.

Indoor fountains can be found in a broad price range from as low as $15-$25 and up into the thousands of dollars for elaborate custom designed models that use exotic materials in their craftsmanship. Designs range from the sleek, ultra modern look, to rustic, Zen, and Japanese themed models. You can even purchase a misting fountain that puts out a gentle fog-like effect. Truly, you can find an indoor fountain that is right for you no matter how your tastes run.

Once you have done your research, chosen a fountain, and made your purchase, you will be endlessly delighted by the hours of comforting relaxation and pleasure that this simple piece of furniture can bring.

Find the best Indoor Fountains at the best price, only at simplygoodstuff.comÂ

Add a Slice of Nature Into Your Home or Office with an Indoor Fountain - Simply Good Tips

3. Proximity. Even if you do not think it is as beautiful to have a trash receptacle near the changing table, it is practical. So, when decorating your nursery, one big tip is to consider the proximity of related items. Be sure to have all the baby essentials conveniently located where you’ll use them. You won’t want to have to walk away from the infant to get some needed supplies. So, utilize shelves, baskets, and other accessories in your design to make everything conveniently located, but still nice looking. Functionality should be your main design goal, followed by aesthetics.

4. Don’t just think about baby, think about all of the uses of the room. For example, when decorating baby’s nursery, don’t forget a comfortable rocking chair with soft seat and arm cushions for those inevitable late-night feedings. Your comfort in the room is just as important as the baby’s.

5. Last but not least, think longevity. When choosing color schemes, and furniture pieces, try and find items that you will still be able to use three and five, and possibly more years down the road. Use the largest portion of your budget to purchase the staples of the room, and then get bargains, deals, discounts, and used and secondhand items for the fill ins. While baby pink and baby blue might just seem so adorable now, think about the child a few years down the road. Unless you plan to redecorate and repurchase all furniture, wall coverings, and window coverings every few years, you will want to get items that are timeless and will still be functional for the child as he or she grows older.

Decorating your nursery should be fun, so start as soon as you know you are pregnant. Collect little pieces throughout the months that will enhance the room, don’t rush it or feel like it all needs to be done in a weekend. Remember, most masterpieces take time.

HomeBuildingRemodeling.com is your source for top quality home building, remodeling and home decorating information. For free articles delivered daily by email, visit http://www.HomeBuildingRemodeling.com and enter your name and email under the Free Home Building and Remodeling Updates section.

For a unique, yet effective humidifier for a child’s room try a Misting Fountain.

For an infant-safe laundry solution that is environmentally friendly, try a Laundry Ball or Dryer BallsÂ

Nursery Decorating Tips - Simply Good Tips

Our grandmothers prepared for the hot and humid weather by packing away the heavy rugs and drapes and those things in the house which made it harder to keep up the house. Chairs were covered with washable slipcovers, knickknacks were packed away so they didn’t need to be dusted and the home was made as low maintenance as possible. This resulted in a clean, stripped down effect which was cool to look at and required less work to keep clean and comfortable during the sweltering days of summer. It was much easier to dust a clear surface or mop a wood floor than to clean around all of the small decorative objects we tend to collect or run a sweeper over the oriental rugs. Decorations were flowers and fruits of the seasons. Lace and linen mats were used instead of heavy linen or damask cloths. Sheer curtains or sun blocking shades were put at the windows. Many women had summer china. Food was prepared in the cooler mornings and eaten cold for supper. Houses looked cool and living was less formal.

These days many of us have air conditioning and it isn’t necessary to pack things away to make the house low-maintenance for the hot weather. However, if we use these same principles there are pay offs for the modern homeowner. Clear the table tops and shelves, simplify the table arrangements, put away the heavy bedspreads and curtains. If you wish to decorate there are lovely ‘throw away’ decorations made of paper or straw. Try a pleated paper fan on the mantel or a glass bowl filled with river rocks or shells. The result of this simplifying is that we have a home which appears cool and fresh.

For full-time homemakers, being able to get the housework out of the way by lunch time gives us afternoons free to play with our children, go for a swim, or read a book we haven’t had time for over the winter months. For those of us who work outside the home, it makes a nice change to be able to spend our free time in our yards, or walking in the park, sharing pool time with our children and having picnics. We spend less time taking care of our homes and have more time for our families and friends and for those outdoor activities which we enjoy and which help us to store up good health for the winter. When we are inside, our homes are more relaxed and have a casual summery feel. Our homes don’t have to look like beach cottages but the plainness gives them a kind of simple elegance. Why waste time in caring for our homes when we want to be outside hiking, gardening, or playing tennis and enjoying time with friends and family?

In the autumn when the weather starts to cool, we can bring out the heavier items and place them around the house. They will give our homes a new look and we can enjoy our homes and possessions much more because we’ve had a break from looking at them and caring for them.

Content for this article was provided by ON THE GO 4 U design consultant, Suzanne Copenhaver, who has years of experience with decorating the less than perfect space.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net

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Summertime Simplicity in Your Home Decorating - Simply Good Tips