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

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

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

Our 800 thread count 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 just $24.95. They feature an 800 thread count weave and come in six piece sets. Each set will include 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.

800 Thread Count Sheets

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!

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”

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

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.

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 ]

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 ]

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

[ 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.

[ Good Stuff for Home Decor ]Â

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 ]

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.

[ Good Stuff for your Backyard ]

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.

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.

[ Good Stuff For Home Decor ]

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

[ Good Stuff For Home Decor ]

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.

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

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

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

Good Stuff for Home Decor

Today, people set up home offices for a variety of purposes, and many find that decorating these rooms can pose unique challenges. For instance, are there affordable yet attractive ways to contain inherently unattractive things like office supplies and files? And what kind of desk do you really need?

To begin decorating (or redecorating) your home office, think through some of the basics concepts important to this (and every) space:

Location.
Will you need an entire room or just a portion of a room? For the heavy use home office, an entire room (if you have one to spare) may be warranted. Or you may want to create a combination home office/guest room using a spare bedroom. Also consider the type of space you’d like to work in. If you crave natural light and views of the outdoors, try to select an area where you’ll have easy access to a window. Also make sure you’re near electrical outlets and a phone jack, so you won’t have long cords running all over the place.

Furnishings.
A desk and chair will likely be at the top of your list of furniture needs. You may also need a filing cabinet, a printer stand, and bookshelves. Go for double-duty furnishings if your space is small. For instance, forgo a printer stand and place your printer on top of a short filing cabinet or on your bookshelf.

Lighting.
Proper lighting is crucial to every work environment. You’ll likely need overhead lighting (a fixture on the ceiling that throws bright light over the entire space) and task lighting (a lamp on your desk, e.g., to simplify reading).

Accessories.
This may be a workspace, but don’t forget: it’s in your home, so you can decorate it in any way you please. Forget traditional office accessories like boring, Lucite desk clocks and bland art. Accessorize your home office with things that you love, whether that means framed Picasso prints, a collection of Cabbage Patch dolls, or sports memorabilia.

Try these great accessories to liven up any office. –> Mist Fountains and other Indoor Fountains.

Storage. Things, things, and more things—where can you put them all? Think outside the box—the plastic black in-box, that is. Try baskets for files, books, even supplies. For a printer stand, consider using an old bench painted in the shade of your choice. An armoire (snagged on superclearance, of course) can house all your office supplies, and your filing cabinet can get an easy makeover if you toss a beautiful tablecloth over it. Business cards don’t have to be slipped into a boring card file. I keep mine in a whimsical coffee mug a friend gave me one Christmas. They’re neat, organized alphabetically, and always within reach.

©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Would you like to see more excellent Home Decorating Ideas, Tips and Photos? Visit the Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network (http://www.diyhomedecorating.com/).

Sustainable living tip one is to reevaluate your mattress. It is an unpleasant, but true fact that most mattresses are made with Polyurethane (PU) and give off (especially in the case of new mattresses) VOC (volatile organic compounds) fumes that can lead to upper respiratory problems. So called “stain repellant mattresses” deliver on their claims because they are usually treated with stain and water repellants that emit toxic formaldehyde into the air that you breathe. What is the good news? There are several eco friendly alternatives out there, and a search online can help reveal the best ones for you. If you can’t afford to purchase a new mattress, you can still save the environment, and your health, by purchasing natural, unbleached cotton bedding, buckwheat hull pillows, and organic wool and cotton quilts and blankets.

sustainable living tip two do not buy new furniture and accessories. Those shiny, expensive bedroom sets that you see in furniture stores have undoubtedly been treated with chemical emitting lacquers and finishes, and were not likely constructed using sustainable living practices. Buying used bedroom furniture not only saves you money, it also saves trees and other precious natural resources as well.

Another really great tip is to use rugs sparingly. Floor to ceiling carpet harbors dust, allergens, and chemicals, and keeping it clean typically requires the use of further chemicals and a heavy duty, energy consuming machine. If you can’t completely strip your carpeted floors bare and switch to recycled wood or other flooring, using area rugs made from natural jute or hemp fibers is a good sustainable living alternative. These types of rugs can be secured with natural rubber padding for easy removal and cleanup. Sustainable living does not have to require a major renovation. Small steps really do add up, and the result is a healthier environment, and a healthier you.

Placement Of Furniture
Whether you believe in Feng Shui or not, the placement of furniture to allow people to freely move around the room is important. A living room should feel spacious even when it is not. The placement of chairs should allow for some to be next to the fireplace to make it more inviting. Furniture should be spaced so that people can hear each other in normal conversation without having to lean over or move the furniture. The furniture should not block entryways but give a clear view of different entrances.

Lighting
Natural lighting as well as artificial lighting is very important. The living room should be lit with both, one for during the day and the other at night. Lamps can become design statements nowadays. Choose them to complement whatever design theme you have going. Be sure to provide sufficient light for nighttime reading.

Conversation Starters
Artwork, statues, books, and misting fountains are all great conversation starters. They help to provide color and a lively environment. They also allow you to give the room a personable feel. Adding books or magazine caddies can help a person resolve to spend some time making them comfortable in your living room.

Natural Or Live Elements
Natural plants not only provide fresh oxygen for the living room and help to use up toxic degassing from carpets, but they also make the room feel more natural too. Adding a few plants help to bring the outdoors in and give the room a healing aura. Pets do the same thing. Pets provide a loving acceptance that radiates joy in living. Just make sure the pets you get are house-trained and low maintenance. Pets can form a sort of living statue that moves around the room and capture’s your guests’ attention.

Color
You can design the room by using color in your drapes, your furniture, and even your walls. If you are a bit adventuresome, choose to paint one wall a different color than the rest, particularly if it has a fireplace on it. This will draw the eye to the best feature in the room. Other ways of adding color are to wallpaper the room. Try to go with warm or natural colors to help people feel more settled when they are in the room.

Creating More Space
If your living room is small, you will need to give the illusion of space to help the room feel inviting. You can do this by adding a big mirror to a wall. There are even mirrored panels that make a nice backsplash too. You can pick furniture that is sized appropriately for the room, even if your heart is on a larger set. In the end the larger set may overwhelm the room making it feel cramped. Keep the end tables and coffee table in glass or metal formats with lots of visual space around them. This adds the illusion of sparseness that you don’t get with wood.

Great Stuff for Home Decor

There are tips and specialized treatment you can use for certain flowers so they will last longer and to show them to their best advantage in your flower arrangements.

Gerberas

Gerberas are large flat daisy like flowers that include shades of orange, pink, red, yellow and white.

There is also a mini gerbera which is not so common that is a much smaller variety.

Gerberas are very versatile and they can be used in many different styles of arrangements. Because of their large flower heads and bright colours they are perfect for modern floral designs.

Give gerberas a long drink before arranging them.

If the stems are soft, snip off the ends of the stems and place them in a bucket half filled with water.

A piece of chicken wire can be placed across the top of the container and the flower stems inserted in the holes with the heads resting flat against the top of the chicken wire. This will help support the flower heads.

You can also use a piece of cardboard with holes made in it instead of the chicken wire. As the stems take up water, they will stiffen.

Leave the gerberas standing in the water for at least 4 hours before arranging them.

Wiring Gerbera Stems:

After a few days, the heads of gerberas can sometimes go limp.

Wiring the stems before you arrange them will help the flower heads stand upright in an arrangement.

To do this, insert the end of a long 22 gauge wire x 45cm (18″)vertically up into the base of the flower head for about 2.5cm (1″) and wind the wire three or four times spirally down and around the stem.

Cut off the excess wire level with the end of the stem.

Liliums

Liliums grow on long graceful stems and have open trumpet shaped flowers and long pointed buds and come in many different varieties.

They look wonderful used on their own in flower arrangements. A tall classical container filled with liliums always looks elegant.

Liliums also look great combined with other flowers in traditional and modern style arrangements.

White liliums also look spectacular used in flowing cascade bridal designs.

Tiger lilies in orange with brown spots are ideal for exotic type arrangements.

Liliums have long stamens with anthers at the tips which are covered with pollen. If the pollen comes into contact with anything, including clothing or a tablecloth, it will stain it with a brownish yellow stain. It is recommended you snip the tips of the end of the stamens before arranging them.

For this reason, many florists remove the tips as soon as liliums come into their shop.

If pollen does accidentally come in contact with fabric, brush the pollen away with a soft brush or tissue and then place in the sun for a few hours. Another method is to remove the pollen with clear sticky tape.

Violets

These delightful small purple flowers are sold in a bunch surrounded with their attractive heart shaped leaves. Violets mainly drink through their faces. Snip off the ends of the stems and then immerse the heads under water for a few seconds and then place them in a small container of water.

Spray the violets each day with water. A few violets look pretty used in dainty posies and circlets for bridal designs.

These are just a few specialized tips on flowers and their care. In our Floristry Diploma Course you will learn hundreds of professional tips and techniques on flower arranging and all about the floristry industry.
About the Author:
Written by Fay Chamoun the principal of Floral art School of Australia and International Floral Design School. Floral Design Home Study Courses. Learn floral design and floristry for a career or hobby. http://www.floral-art-school.com.au

For a flower arranging system that is easy to use and gives perfect, professional looking results every time, try the Floral Design. This simplistic system makes flower arranging easier than ever, even for a beginner!