If the weather is turning chilly it must time for the kids to go back to school. Bring out the comforters, flannel bed linens, quilts and stadium blankets. As in all bed linens and comforter sets, they come in different sizes to fit the bed you own. You probably have a king or queen size bed, and your kids may sleep in loft beds at home or at the dorm. A twin comforter will be just the right size for the kids away at school. Flannel bed linen comes in a lot of colors, patterns, and prints. They are great for young and old providing the right amount of warmth and softness next to the skin.A comforter is generally filled with down and is one of the most popular choices of fill. It is light weight and incredibly warm. I feel that you can have warmth without weight and you never feel too cold while sleeping. There are many different kinds and qualities of down for every comforter. The least expensive is a combination of down and feathers, while just goosedown is the most expensive. Check the label for the "fill power". This will tell you how many ounces of down are in the comforter so you can determine how warm it will be. You can also choose a baffle pattern you like, the more tightly the feathers are held together, the warmer it will be as the feathers do not fall to the end of the comforter. Silk is another option for fill as well as a silk covering for the comforter. It is extremely warm, adjusts to your body temperature and is very lightweight. It is comparable in price to a high quality down comforter, and is also dry clean only. It is smart to do a little research before investing in something. Most comforters come in white, but you can purchase a duvet cover to match your d

Some DIY Maintence will put Used tools back in Main Stream Operation:Professional grade tools are made to withstand long hours of use and abuse. Many home shops have a number of Professional grad tools but for the most part most home shops have tools that are some what less in quality.No matter what grade of tool you have none of them are made to be the "last tool you will have to buy".What is nice is that for the most part the average grade as well as the professional grade tools are designed and built to be reparied which will translate into many years of service.For the home shop items such as pads, electric cords, on/off switches and motor brushes can be easily replace and done so without a huge pinch in the pocketbook.A lot of these repairs can be done without even taking the housing off the tool. So to extend your tools service life and get the most from it lets examine a few things you can do.Always remember SAFETY FIRST:The first thing before anything else is done is always remove the power source. Make sure that the tool is unpluged or if it is cordless remove the battery. Do this before you pick up any other tool.If you are going to have to unassemble any part of the tool you need to remember that you will at some point have to put it back together.When I start to take something apart I get a shallow cardboard box to lay the parts in so that I can keep them seperated and organized. This will make reassembly go much smoother. Watch for different lengths of screws and bolts. A perfectly good tool can be ruined because you try to put the wrong screw back in and strip out a thread.Enemy #1The number one power tool killer is HEAT. If you want your tools to last you have to keep them running cool. Any motor by its very nature has armature windings, gears, and bearings that turn at high rates of speed. A natural law says that with any action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So if while your power tool preforms a certain operation the opposite reaction is that it will create heat. If your tools are so hot that they are uncomfortable to hold in your bare hands then its time to do something or the end is near.Remember a Cool Tool is a Good Tool.So what is the best way to maintain a Cool Tool?Keep it clean. Any tool expert will always tell you that keeping dust and dirt from gathering around the motor of a power tool is one of the most important factors of long tool life. All your tools that use universal motors have air intake slots so that air can be sucked through with a fan. A natural byproduct of woodworking is dust and that dust will get sucked into these intake slots. Besides these intake slots every tool has plenty of other nooks and crannies that will grab that dust and hold it.Presto: OVERHEATINGIf your shop is equiped with an air compressor then daily cleaning will be a snap. Make sure you know which slots on your tools are intake and which are exhaust then while it is running shoot a nice refreshing jet of compressed air into the intake side and watch that ole dirt and dust go flying.If you are not so lucky as to have compressed air then the maintaince is a little more difficult but just as important. You will need to take the housing of the tool off and manually clean the air intakes with a clean brush. If dust and dirt are caked onto the fan blades it will be necessary to remove that also. Just make sure you use something that can not scratch the surface of the blade so as not to upset the blade balance.Just this one simple maintance procedure will put many extra hours of use into your tools.Motor Brush ReplacementI have a Craftsman 3/8" electric drill that was one of the first power tools that I ever could say was mine. My father gave it to me when I left home after graduating from High School. This drill and I have been through some times. I used it and to be honest abused it quite a bit.Finally one day I need it for somthing I was working on and when I got it pluged up and pulled the trigger, nothing happened. I checked the power supply, and all of the other things like wiggling the cord with no results. Then I happened to grab the chuck and kind of twist it a little and since ole dummy me had the trigger squeezed all at once the thing took off and tried to take my fingers along with it.This brings me to a simple DIY operation that if done on a regular basis will avoid those skin burns that I got.Check and Change the motor burshes.If your tool wont start up without a little help from you or you see a lot of sparks flying around the motor housing ( a little sparking is ok just not more than 1/4") or if that motor just doesn't sound or feel right it could be the brushes need replaced.Now saying the brushes need replaced might have you going off looking for brushes, which you will never find. What you will really find that everyone calls brushes are small blocks of hard graphite with little springs attached to them.Accessing the brushes is easier on some tools than others. You may have to remove the tool housing or you might be able to access the brush cover from outside the housing.By whatever method you need to acces the brushes once you have removed the covers the tension on the small springs will be released and they will jump out at you. Gently pull on the springs and the brushes will slide out. The brush will be curved to fit the curvature of the rotating armature. In most instances if it is less than 1/4 inch from the bottom of the curve to the bottom of the brush it should be replaced. If your owners manual is available you may want to check to see of they have a different specification. You will want to remove and measure both brushes as they will not always wear at the same rate.If new brushes are called for then you have a couple of options. The first and best is to replace with the manufacturer's replacements. If that is not an option then generic brushes are available and will do an adaquate job.Many times new brush ends are flat but they will conform to the shape of your armature in a short time. "Seat" the new brushes by running your tool with no load for a while.Brushes are not expensive and will make that old tool run smoother and last longer.That old Craftsman drill that I told you about. I still have it and have replaced the brushes several times. By the way it was new in the 60's.Bad SwitchHere is still another common problem with power tools and it is not that hard to fix.With the newer tools that have variable speed triggers if they get worn you may go from variable to just one or even no speeds. Could be a defective switch.Now I am sure that all of you are organized and when you get a new tool you safely file that owners manual away for future reference after you finish reading it. So you now need to go to the archives and find that manual for the particular tool you are having problems with and get the part number for the problem switch. Now you can easily order a new replacement from the manufacturer. Get the cost and compare and decide if it is worth replacing before you order.If it is and you have that new switch in hand you will need to get inside the tool housing. Once in there get yourself a pencil and paper and do a simple drawing of the switch and wires. Note the position and colors and look at the new switch to make sure the wire colors and positions are the same. Remove one wire from the old switch and attach the comparable wire from the new switch. Do these one at a time until all of the wires have been attached. Position the switch and make sure it operates smoothly before reassembling the housing and hooking up the juice.Cord ReplacementAlong with replacing switches and in the same vein of maintance is power cord replacement.It is a good idea to inspect your power cords on a regular basis and look for things like fraying, missing grounding pin or the cord pulling out of the tool housing. Any of these conditions can pose a shock hazard or short circuit your tool.Again the best course of action is to obtain a replacement from the manufacturer.One you have done that it's time to open up the housing again and compare the wires on the old cord with the ones on the new. If they are not the same before you continue you need to contact the manufacturer. If the "hot" and "neutral" wires are switched it is sometimes possible to damage a motor. This is know as reversing the polarity and it is better to check before you burn your motor up.If everything is ok a simple way to keep track of everything is to cut the old cord off about 4 or 5 inches from the terminals. Slide the new cord into place. Remove one old wire and replace with the corrosponding new one and continue until all of the wires have been replace. Following a simple system like this will eliminate any chance of hooking up a wire in the wrong place.In conclusion by doing some of these easy and inexpensive routine maintenance procedures you can take a good used tool and keep it from being used up.Always keep safety in mind and have fun with your woodworking projects.About The AuthorGene Miller is the Owner and Webmaster of www.woodworkingtoday.com. His amateur woodworking experience started as a young teenager when he designed, built and raced several Soap Box Derby cars. Later he assisted his father in remodeling several rooms in their home. Through the years he has tackled many woodworking and Home Improvement projects. With each project he has added to his information of tools, tips and methods.

So you've finally decided to get your favorite music throughout your house. What's next? Where do you go from here? That depends upon your requirements and weather this will be an installation in an existing home or a music system in a new construction home.First, you need to decide which rooms you would like to install your speakers. The installation will obviously be much easier during construction than in an existing home. Once you make the decision on which rooms to include, you have two choices; in-wall or in-ceiling.In-ceiling speakers tend to draw less attention to themselves. In all but basic background music applications, in-wall speakers usually sound better, everything else being equal. In-wall speakers have other problems, however. They are usually harder to integrate aesthetically in the room. They also take up valuable wall space that can be used for art or furniture.Typically, round speakers are used for in-ceiling installations and rectangular speakers are used when installing in the wall. Round speakers integrate better with other ceiling fixtures, such as smoke detectors and recessed light cans, which tend to be round as well. In addition, because most round speakers have coaxially located drivers, you are the same distance from both no matter where you are in the room. This leads to more even frequency response throughout the room. Rectangular speakers tend be better suited to in-wall, rather than in-ceiling, applications.It is best to keep the speakers two feet or so from adjacent walls or other boundaries that can cause response problems. Optimally, in wall speakers should be at, or close to, ear level. Place in-ceiling speakers so they are symmetrical with ceiling fixtures and the room.Usually stereo pairs of speakers are used in each room. Another approach that works well is to sum the some signals into mono. You can then run the system in mono for most areas that use in-ceiling speakers. The mono approach allows you to get more uniform coverage, rather than standing under a speaker that is only playing the left channel for example.You can also use one speaker for areas like small bathrooms and still get both channels of the music. There are speakers with dual voice coils and inputs for both the left and right channels on a single speaker that are also used for this type of application. It can be demonstrated that the summed mono approach using a single, standard voice coil speaker usually sounds better, however.Multi-room speaker systems can be set up as single zone or multiple zone systems. In a single zone system, all the speakers play the same source. With a multi-zone audio system, the system is divided into two or more areas that can play different sources. This flexibility is really nice when different occupants want to listen to different music at the same time. For example, with a three zone system, you could listen to three different sources simultaneously in three different areas of your house.With a single zone system, it is still desirable to have independent volume control over each pair of speakers or to turn off any pair completely. This is accomplished by using a speaker level volume control for each room. These are usually a just round knob, although other styles, such as sliders, are used as well.Multi zone systems are usually controlled by some type of keypad, system remote control, or wall mounted touchscreen. Typically, there is one of these control interfaces for each zone. There is an old saying in racing "Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?" So it is with multi zone music system controls. Control costs money. How much do you want?A standard knob style volume control is under $100. Step up to a keypad for more control and you are looking at $250 to $500. Touch screen controls offer the ultimate in simplicity and flexibility. In addition, touch screens allow feedback, such as volume, radio station, and music server information, to be displayed on the touch screen. Touch screen controls begin at about $500 and can go to $20,000 each, depending upon size and options. The more sophisticated controls allow you to turn on your music and choose sources from each room. It's as easy as turning on a light.Some of the more advanced controls can operate independently,while some require a central processor. If you are installing a multi zone system, you will need a multi room controller and amplifier. These can be integrated into one component or they can be separate pieces. Prices on these vary widely. It is better for most people to contact a professional custom installer for installation of these type of components.There are a number of decisions to make when planning your in-wall speaker system. Do you want single or multi zone? In-wall or in-ceiling? Both? What type of controls would you like? You can research these questions on your own or consult a qualified professional for assistance. With careful planning you will have a music system you can enjoy for years to come.Steve Faber has almost 15 years in the custom installation industry. He is a CEDIA certified designer and Installer 2 with certifications from both the ISF and THX. His experience spans many facets of the industry, from the trenches as an installer and control systems programmer, and system designer, to a business unit director for a specialty importer of high end audio video equipment, a sales rep for a large, regional consumer electronics distributor, and principal of a $1.5M+ custom installation firm. Steve is currently is senior sales engineer for Digital Cinema Design, a CEDIA member firm in Redmond, WA. He is on the web at The Home Theater and Automation Guide

Last week I explained how to measure your existing sliding glass door so you can order the vinyl replacement door. This week I am going to go over the steps required to remove the old sliding door before installing the new door.First, you have to remove the sliding panel and the stationary panel. The vast majority of doors out there have the sliding panel on the inside half of the track, and the stationary panel is on the outside. Whatever the case in your particular door, the outside panel has to come out first. To remove the fixed panel, you need to remove the sill cap that snaps into the bottom track and runs from the fixed panel to the side jamb where the sliding panel locks. Force a screwdriver into the crease and pry the cap up. Then, look for screws on the inside side jamb holding the fixed panel in place. These screws prevent someone from prying up the sill cap and pulling out the fixed panel in order to gain entry into the home. In addition to the side jamb, be sure to check across the top header and bottom track for screws there as well. Once all the screws have been removed, you need to pull the fixed panel away from the side jamb. You can start by simply grabbing the side rail of the fixed panel and pulling as hard as you can. If you're lucky, the panel will pop free. Then you can lift the panel up as far as it will go into the top channel and swing the bottom away from the track, and remove the panel.Now, I said "if you're lucky", because in most cases the panel will be stuck in the side jamb, the bottom track, or both. Usually, you're going to have to use a pry bar to loosen the fixed panel before it will slide out of the side jamb. Once the fixed panel is out, removal of the sliding panel is usually easier. Just lift up and swing the bottom away from the track, then remove the panel. Sometimes the bottom rollers will prevent the bottom from swinging out of the track. If that's the case, you will need to find the roller adjustment hole in the bottom corners of the sliding panel. Put a screwdriver into this hole and turn the screw counterclockwise to bring the roller as far up into the bottom of the sliding panel as possible. This should allow the slider to come out.Now, you want to remove all the screws from the side jambs, top header, and bottom track. Then, take a pry bar and get it under the bottom track about in the center. Pry up until the track is separated from the floor. The next step will depend on whether your old frame is nailed to the house frame, or simply screwed in. If it's screwed in, then the frame should now be loose in the opening, since you removed all of the screws. You just need to remove whatever inside trim there might be around the door frame. This type of frame should come out. If your door is nailed to the house frame, you will have to do a bit more work. Use a hacksaw to cut the track in half, approximately in the center. Start with either half and raise the cut piece up towards the side jamb until the the track piece separates from the side jamb. Do the same thing to the other half.So, now you have to remove the side jambs. You want to do this without damaging the exterior material that surrounds the door frame. Take a heavy chisel and pound it into the crack between the frame and exterior material, whether it's stucco, siding, etc. Start at the bottom 6 inches first. What you are trying to do is pull the nail fin away from the nails holding it in place. So, once the chisel is pounded through the metal frame, pry away from the side wall. The heavier and longer the chisel, the more leverage you will have. You will hear the frame "pop" free of the nail. There will be several nails holding each jamb in place, so you want to start at the bottom and work your way to the top corner. Once you get the bottom third loose, many times you can grab the jamb with both hands and pull the rest of the nails free as you go up. When you get to the top corner, work the jamb free. Do both jambs, then do the top. Sometimes the top has no nails, or just one in the center, so it will come down pretty easily. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when doing this job, especially when removing the top header.At this point you are ready to install the new door. The installation procedure is slightly different, depending on whether you're installing a retrofit style frame or a replacement frame. We will discuss both procedures next week.John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout the United Kingdom
and the world in the 21st century. Around for over three hundred years, conservatories work to
provide a lovely transition between the main residence and the natural surroundings abutting the
home. In this article we look at the thee main types of materials used for conservatories ? pvcu,
aluminum and hardwood.

PVCu

Through the years, many different types of materials have been utilized in the construction of conservatories. Stone, brick and wood have all been popular materials and widely used in the construction of elegant and functional conservatories down through the past three centuries. In recent years, aluminum has become widely used in the construction of conservatories. Most recently, a substance which has become known as PVCu has been widely used in the construction
of conservatories throughout the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.

In considering this article, one might wonder about the composition of PVCu. "PVC" stands for "Poly Vinyl Chloride." Poly Vinyl Chloride is a chemical compound consisting of chlorine, carbon and hydrogen. The "u" appended at the end of the moniker stands for "unplasticised" or "unmodified." In layman's terms, this means that the material or product has not been injected with additional chemicals called plasticizers. Plasticizers are designed to soften materials. PVCu is derived essentially from petroleum or natural gas and common salt. Most PVCu systems are reinforced with aluminum.

As mentioned in this article, PVCu has become the most popular choice of construction material for conservatories in the U.K. and elsewhere today. One of primary reasons that PVCu
conservatories have become so popular is because of its relatively inexpensive cost. The use of PVCu in the construction of conservatories have made these home additions more affordable and more available to families across the U.K. and the world over.

Additionally, PVCu has proven to be a very good insulator. Through the use of PVCu, a home owner is able to lower the energy costs associated with a conservatory.

PVCu is crafted to look like authentic wood such as mahogany or oak. Additionally, a flat white coloration is popular with conservatory owners.

PVCu conservatories are easy to maintain. Additionally, PVCu is very durable and a long lasting material that will bring the pleasures of the conservatory to future generations.

Aluminum

Practicality has followed the advancement and utilization of conservatories through the years. In recent times, more and more men and women who are considering including
conservatories in their overall home design have become most concerned with quality construction at a reasonable price. As a consequence, aluminum conservatories have come into vogue.

Aluminum conservatories can be constructed at a reasonable -- really, at a low -- cost. The costs associated with creating
the aluminum components are not particularly high in the first instance. Indeed, most people who are interested in including a conservatory as a part of their primary residence have found the expenses associated with crafting and creating an aluminum conservatory to be most reasonable.

For the most part, aluminum conservatories are also completely versatile and durable in the construct. In the 21st century it is remarkable easy to find a person or a company that can readily construct a versatile and durable aluminum conservatory. With little direction, a person or family interested in constructing a beautiful and durable aluminum conservatory can find ready resources not only on the World Wide Web and the Internet but through the local home builders
association.

By working with the most reliable people in the task of designing and ultimately crafting an aluminum conservatory, a person or group of people will end up creating a spectacular addition to the home that will solidly stand the test of time.

Hardwood

Through the years, architects have made many different takes on the form and substance of the conservatory. Indeed, stone and glass was a popular combination for early conservatory construction. During the Georgian period in the United Kingdom, brickwork became a popular alternative for many conservatories attached to the finest manses of the day. All along, however, hardwood conservatories have been fashionable edifices.

There are a number of merits to utilizing hardwood in the construction of conservatories. Of course, the primary aim of a conservatory is to provide a lovely transitional space between the cloister of the residence and the openness and splendor of the out of doors. Nothing contributes quite as well to the overall design concept and beauty of a conservatory than the use of hardwood in its construction.

In recent years, a good deal of conservatory construction has relied upon metals, principally aluminum, in the building process. While there are, of course, many benefits to using such materials in the construction of a conservatory, for the purist, nothing is more appropriate than hardwood. As mentioned, hardwood keeps with the intent behind the creation of a conservatory space in the first instance.

The construction of a conservatory itself utilizing superior hardwood remains a relatively easy process. Perhaps the most complicated method of fashioning a conservatory is with stone and rock. However, through the use of hardwood, a builder or homeowner can achieve the same sense of natural balance without the laborious processes involved in stonework and the like.
Nearly any contractor adept at residential construction will be able to undertake the tasks necessary to create a lovely and lasting hardwood conservatory. Indeed, architects and designers tend to favor hardwood in the construction of a conservatory because it allows them a greater degree of latitude and flexibility in their own creative efforts.

Maintenance of hardwood conservatories is not an awesome task. Provided the owner ensures that the wood itself is properly coated with sealants throughout the year, the general maintenance associated with a hardwood conservatory is virtually nil.

As a final notation, properly constructed, a hardwood conservatory will be treasured space in any residence for generations to come. Indeed, properly constructed and appropriately maintained, a hardwood conservatory's native beauty actually will be enhanced through the years.
Garry John is a regular contributor to uk home improvement websites such as http://www.window-blinds.org.uk and http://www.uk-awnings-online.co.uk

Waterproof consultants perform a wide variety of functions. Why should you hire a waterproofing consultant for your project? Firstly, professional consultants in this field are often very knowledgeable in finding the problem and the best way to fix it. Since they are waterproofing specialists, they have had intensive training or years of experience in the industry. Hiring a waterproof consultant is often less time consuming than your own attempts at locating leaks or other problems. In addition, consultants can often perform the job for you or refer you to a contractor for the project.One service typically available among consultants is a survey and inspection of the area. The survey and inspection can include visual inspections, laboratory testing, investigation and discovery of leaks, moisture measurements and of course, a price estimate. Many waterproofing consultants also provide drawings and specifications. By mapping out your basement, for instance, and highlight trouble spots, the consultant can easily formulate a plan-of-action to repair your home. Some waterproofing consultants also offer quality control management for your project. If you hire an outside contractor for the work, the consultant's on-site quality control can ensure your needs and specifications are being met. In addition, these consultants offer follow-up inspections, when necessary, which can save future damage and costs.As with nearly any service, prices for hiring a waterproofing consultant can vary from area-to-area. Since different specialists study each area, you can be assured that your home's needs are met. Costs can exceed a thousand dollars depending on your needs and whether or not a local specialist is available. If you hire consultant from out of your local area, they often expect to be compensated for travel expenses. Because of the expense of hiring a waterproofing consultant, many people choose to perform the entire project by themselves. Some people have found that their own mistakes are more costly than hiring a consultant from the beginning. If a professional waterproofing consultant is too pricey or not available in your area, a professional waterproofer often has the experience and skills to diagnose and treat your home's ailments.Waterproofing Info provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Picnic tables are the perfect solution for an afternoon or evening get together. They offer everything from different shapes of a picnic table, to ones that fold up in a box. Picnic tables and outdoor benches are great for kids because they are strong, sturdy, and can handle lots of abuse. I remember the picnic tables on the playground when I was young; most of the time you were lucky if you didn't get lots of splinters from them. Now they come in all kinds of materials such as ? wood, aluminum, plastic, steel mesh, PVC, and recycled material. There are plans that you can find online or from your home improvement store if you feel inclined to do it yourself. If you really want to get close to nature and have a casual day outdoors with the kids, forget the table and just get out picnic blanket. Picnics can also be quite romantic. Doesn't it sound like fun with a bottle of wine and some cheese, just lying back on the blanket watching the clouds change shapes? It's a great way to spend a lazy afternoon with someone you care about.Outdoor benches are a good complement to the picnic table, allowing extra seating for the parents to watch the kids playing games. An outdoor bench placed near a fire pit or a hammock close to the pool allows ease and lots of mingling at your next picnic. Don't forget about the picnic games. There are tons of them that you can think of as impromptu fun outdoors. They aren't just for kids anymore, grownups enjoy them too. When it comes to the picnic food, get the kids involved. They will easily let you know what they want for their favorite meal and it will be fun for them to help you make it. Take some of the burden of planning off of you and put it on them. They will feel more apart of things if you do.Even if your party is in your backyard on your own picnic table, it's fun to get out the picnic baskets. Pack them ahead of time allowing for less stress on the actual day of the picnic. Include lots of games, plastic dishes, napkins, and plastic glasses. A plastic tablecloth makes for easy clean up if the kids get a little messy. It doesn't matter if you live in the city or go for a country outing. Make sure the picnic table is under a shade tree, the kids have lots of games to play, and there is plenty of homemade ice cream and lemonade. Grandpa and grandma have their outdoor benches to sit on watching all the festivities. Ahhh?life is good.Bev Hlavka is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying outdoor kitchens, hammocks, picnic tables and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.patio-furniture-4u.com. She gives information and tips at http://www.patio-furniture-4u.com/Picnic%20Tables.htm to help you save money and make informed buying decisions

Stress is all around us, from the office to the front yard and everywhere in between. Homeowners are buying hammocks and porch swings to create that stress free zone they need to unwind after a busy day. All hammocks and porch swings are not created equal. A hammock can come with a stand for easy set up anywhere such as at poolside or by a lake; or others are hung between trees or from a ceiling. You will have to decide what type and style you want as there are so many sizes and types available. You might also want a chair style that can be hung from the ceiling. There are different sizes available in these as well. These are especially nice if you live in an apartment or townhouse. A hammock and swing are great sources of leisure for any backyard or porch. Combine a quality hammock with all of your other patio furniture and create a getaway in your very own backyard that rivals any trip to the islands. Hammock stands can be placed anywhere in your backyard to create the perfect oasis setting.Some basic things to consider before buying a hammock, hammock stands, or porch swings are?? Size
? Construction quality
? General styling
? Care
? materialsSome hammocks are washable, but you want to make sure that you tie the two ends together first before putting it in the washing machine. You also want to enclose it in a pillowcase before washing and use a mild detergent. Keeping the hammock properly dry is a consideration because you do not want it to mildew. If your hammock does not have removable spreader bars, your only option for cleaning is to place it on the driveway and hose it down. Again, allow enough time in the sun for proper drying.Hammock accessories are a key source for creating that perfect stress free zone. Hammock stands, hammock pillows, outdoor swing cushions, and patio swing, are just a few of the options that are available. The pillows come in various shapes and sizes for your style of hammock. You will want to consider the type of element protection that is afforded the hammock. You will want a pillow that is good for indoor and outdoor use. The goal of the pillow is to keep your head from resting on the bar. You might also want added comforted by purchasing a hammock pad. This will increase your hours of enjoyment. A hammock blanket is lightweight and is great for cool evenings by the lake. Add in the misters and cup holders, and you will never want to leave your backyard. Take a deep breath, and let your cares melt away. Go outside on the porch and swing along in the breeze. Spend time in a hammock with a hammock stands, or porch swing, add a little music, and a cold glass of lemonade and you have everything you need to stay in the zone.Bev Hlavka is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying outdoor kitchens, hammocks, picnic tables and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.patio-furniture-4u.com. She gives information and tips at http://www.patio-furniture-4u.com/Hammocks.htm to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.

When you begin decorating your home there are some important factors to consider. Your floors will usually be the foundation for your design. An authentic hand made area rug can visually integrate or harmonize diverse elements in any decor or can reenergize a room.Below are various factors to consider for purchasing & decorating with an oriental rug:1. Size of the Rug - Area to be coveredSize up the room and the area you want to cover.The most common area rug sizes are 4-by-6 and 6-by-9 feet. They work well under a coffee table.An 8-by-10-foot area rug or larger can cover an entire room.Smaller area and scatter rugs can be ideal for adorning smaller spaces-a hearth! , a bedside, the area in front of a kitchen sink-with a splash of colo r and warmth.2. In the HomeLiving RoomIn a living room the area rug would most likely be placed in front of the sofa and under the coffee tableTo place a room-sized area rug on a hardwood floor, choose an area rug which allows eight inches (twenty centimeters) of wood to be exposed around the rug's perimeter.Measure the open space up to the sofa and chairs making sure that the individual seated will have both feet on the area rug.More than one area rug is acceptable.Dining RoomThere should be room to pull the chairs out from the table with the back legs of the chairs remaining on the area rug.StairsLook for Busy & Dark patternsDark wool rugs are great for thisHallways & EntrancesDense PatternsWool pile (Most durable) with cotton foundation (strong and does not loose shape) is ideal.Very light colors are not suggestedBedroomDo not recommend a room size Persian/Oriental area rug for the bedroom. Most of the pattern will be hidden under the bed in the dark making the rug prone to moth damage.Instead, use multiple area rugs. A rug at the foot of the bed and two on each side Or use several scatter rugs to fill areas around the bed as needed. It will actually cost less and compliment your furnishings better.3. FURNISHINGSBegin with the end in mind. Visualize the finished look of the room. Do you prefer the sparse, uncluttered look or you have a room rich with colors and textures?Remember that a rug is th! e largest splash of color in any room. Select your rug first, and then the upholstery to blend with the rug. Furniture should enhance the rug design or colors found in the rugNext comes window treatment and walls; neutral shades are recommended.Elements of a rug design can be further incorporated into the overall design scheme. For example, if the rug is floral, add framed prints or flowers in similar colors.Conversely, should your focal point be furniture, choose a rug to pick up the colors used in your furnishing patterns. Patterns can be mixed if they are coordinated by color.Don't get discouraged if you are having problems finding an area rug to blend in with your decor. We suggest you surf NatureRugs.com for the vast variety of Rugs that will suit your situation. For some reason, Jaipur & Agra Rug designs and colors tend to work with many fabrics.4. Using Multiple Area RugsShould you use one rug or two?One rug is the general rule as it coordinates the room together and helps select fabrics for furniture, curtains, etc.In a very large room, more than one rug can be used to separate the room. The designs of the rugs should be different enough to create spatial separation, but similar in color and quality to maintain the integrity of the room space.Two or more rugs should complement each otherOne needs to be dominant in sizeThey should be similar in at least design/color/sizeSmaller rugs should not look like clones5. ColorIf redecorating an already furnished room, choose a rug to pick up the colors used in your furnishing patternsPaint or paper the walls in colors found in the rug when color coordinating.Look for a rug that is commonality with the existing color of the walls.A rug with a bold, overall design can be the focal point of a room with a chair and sofa in solid or subdued patterns.Light colored rugs make a room look more spacious, and deeper colors lend coziness to a room.6. DurabilityFor floor rugs wool is usually a preferred choice as it resists daily wear better than synthetics. Wool has many wonderful qualities- deep, rich color tones, high durability and relative ease of care. For more information you can read article Advantages of Wool over Synthetic Fibers.Silk rugs are better used for walls, throws etc. Living rooms are ideal to showcase silk rugs.Chromium dyes are strong and deliver consistency and durability of color.Vegetable dyes give the rug a patina of color, a casual look that is very attractive.7. ShapeLet your decorating style determine your rug shape.Don't be limited to the idea of getting a rectangular rug.A circular or octagonal-shaped floor covering can add flair and elegance.8. What is the dealer return policy?You should at least have one week risk free trial period to experience the rug. You can test the wool texture, dye quality (take a moistened paper towel and run it along the edges & center, the dye should not bleed out) & see if it fits into your home d

It turns out your mother was right after all -- Happiness really does begin at home, with the things and the people you are surrounded by. Your vision is one of the first messengers to send signals to your brain as to how it feels. Therefore, it follows that keeping your home happier will have a direct impact on how you feel.What do you see in your home --Clutter? Chaos? Angry faces? What do you hear -- Loud voices; bad music?What do you feel when you look around your home? Stress? Unhappiness? Frustration? UGGGGG!What if instead you could feel and "see" opportunity and optimism? Energy and enthusiasm? Ok, maybe that's going a little too far, after all it IS just the living room.Try these ways to let your environment help make you happier.1. Subtract the Ugg factorChances are if you're like most people these days, you are fighting tooth and nail just trying to keep up with your life. Getting organized will help you win the fight. Look for the ugg factors in each of your spaces (desk, office, living room, bedroom, garage). Start with the White Elephant, the first thing that makes you go UGG when you walk into the space. Fix it, clean it, organize it, get rid of it. Whatever.2. Up the color factorColor is the accessory to our lives. Without it, while functional, it can be pretty plain. And scientists have long knows the effects that color can have on moods. Red and Yellows and Oranges inspire and stimulate. Blues and Greens are calming and restorative. Colors can also elicit memories, like "hospital green", or "college purple". In my family, we had a color called "Dad's blue shirt". Look at the colors around you. If paint is not an option check your accessories. Glue some inexpensive colorful beads or buttons to terra cotta pots to use as bright catch-alls for the bathroom, the desk, the kitchen table. Buy colorful frames for pictures. Wear a colorful top. When I wear red, I smile all day.3. Don't forget the smile factorThe smile factor is truly personal. I have a screensaver of my 2 puppies in a funny position. I grin every time I see it, no matter how stressed, no matter how irritated I am at my internet cable provider. Take inventory of your space, one piece at a time. Ask yourself, is it useful? Is it beautiful to me? Does it make me smile? Or does it make me remember how much my mother-in-law criticizes me?4. Function is always a factor!Check the function of your space. Take a look around -- is your home functioning in a way that supports what you want and how you want to feel? If the room is for working and reading, low lights will make you uncomfortable and unhappy. Functionality is increased when a multi-purpose -- or multi person -- room is divided into zones so that more than one purpose or person can use it effectively. Use your creativity. Even the ubiquitous storage must-haves can be more than merely functional. With a little planning and thought, they can add visual interest and style to a room.The steps to happiness begin with what you are surrounded by most of the time. Use positive psychology, positive messages, and positive images to feed your brain positive feelings. If you put these ideas to work, your home really can help keep you happy.About The AuthorKathy Gates is a Professional Life Coach in Scottsdale AZ. If you liked this article, you'll love her "7 SECRETS To A Great Life" program. Get more information at her website Real Life Coach, http://www.reallifecoach.com/success.htm and sign up for the newsletter.kathy@reallifecoach.com