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Online shopping has never been more prevalent or convenient. You can buy just about anything with a quick keyword search and a click of your mouse. For the most part, Internet security measures and organizations such as the Better Business Bureau Online have paved the way for more consumer confidence in online shopping. And other advantages such as selection and low prices have kept consumers flocking to their favorite online retailers for everything from dog food to home decor.

But if you’re in the market for a large purchase for your home–furniture such as a sofa, for example–you might wonder if turning to the Internet is such a wise idea. Guess what? It is. Simply arm yourself with a few shopping tips and a couple of special safety precautions, and your online shopping adventure can get you exactly the couch you’re looking for–and save you big bucks in the process.

Step 1: Decide What You Want

Maybe you’re shopping for a new sofa because you’re redecorating your living room. Or perhaps your comfy old couch has seen better days and you want to replace it. Either way, it’s an important first step to set your priorities:

1. Set a budget. If you’re planning on redecorating frequently, set a moderate budget of around $400 to $800 for a new sofa. If you’re on a much tighter budget, and you’re handy with a staple gun, another option is to look for a used couch you can recover. This approach can save you hundreds of dollars. On the other hand, if you plan to keep your new sofa for decades, set a more generous budget. It’s not uncommon to spend $2,000 or more on a handcrafted fine leather sofa.

2. Assess your existing decor. Make notes of the style of furniture you’re looking for. Is your living room formal or casual? Contemporary or retro? A home with modern decor needs a sofa with slim, square, clean lines and perhaps a metal frame. A more traditional decorating scheme might call for a curved, classic silhouette.

3. Take note of your lifestyle. Do you have children? Pets? If so, you’ll need a durable upholstery fabric that’s easy to clean. Leather, microfibers, and tightly-woven fabrics such as twill and denim are best for durability.

4. Take measurements. Write down the length, width, and depth of the area you’re working with and keep it with you during the shopping process.

Step 2: Go Window Shopping

With your budget, style, and measurement information in hand, as well as a pad of paper for note-taking, it’s time to go shopping. Visit several local furniture stores and browse the options you find–but remember, you’re there to look, not purchase just yet.

While browsing, pay close attention to the structural details of the couches you see. Be on the lookout for signs of good craftsmanship in these major areas, and write down the brands and styles that look promising:

1. Frame construction. Whether it’s wooden or metal, the sofa’s frame should be strong and solid with little flexion. To test it, lift the left front sofa leg slowly. If you can lift it more than an inch before the right leg rises off the floor, the sofa has a weak frame, and it’s probably not worth your money. For another test, try to wiggle a sofa arm. If it moves, that’s another indicator of a weak frame. Also make note of the joinery.

2. Frame materials. In general, avoid materials that warp or crack, such as plastic, particleboard, and plywood. Opt for strong hardwoods that stand up to reupholstering–maple or oak are good choices.

3. Upholstery. First, make sure the fabric is pulled taut on the body of the couch and on each cushion and that all the seams line up. This is especially important for fabrics with patterns and stripes, since you’ll want the patterns to meet correctly across the entire sofa. Also, if you’re in the market for a fabric upholstery, you need to know how the material scores in terms of fire safety. To find this information, look for a tag from the Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC). If you need a seriously durable surface, a smart choice is leather. There are many grades of leather to choose from–the firmer, less expensive grades actually withstand more wear and tear than the pricey, buttery-soft grades.

4. Cushions. The material your cushions are stuffed with is just as important as the upholstery. For comfort and durability, opt for blown fiber, fiberfill, or polyurethane foam with a density of at least 1.8 pounds per cubic feet. These options are reasonably priced and last longer than the most expensive fill material–down. Down filling tends to lose its shape and firmness over time. A great option that uses the best of both worlds is a cushion with down and feathers wrapped around a firm foam core.

5. Springs. There are two options for the support system in your couch: Eight-way hand-tied springs and sinuous springs. Hand-tied springs are found on the most expensive sofas, and provide the most consistently even foundation. But preassembled or sinuous coils that are attached to the frame can be just as comfortable and can save you tons of cash. Just ensure that the coils are numerous and tightly packed together and that the spring action is quite firm.

Step 3: Make Your Online Purchase

Now that you’ve done your research, taken notes, and made a list of all the brands and styles you like, it’s time to surf the Web. Go to your favorite search engine–Google.com, for example–and type the name of each sofa you’re interested in. The more specific your keywords, the better results you’ll get. As you make your way through each of the listings, be on the lookout for the best prices from the most reputable online merchants.

Keep the following shopping tips, compiled from the Better Business Bureau and the National Cyber Security Alliance, in mind:

1. Check out unfamiliar sellers. Research the companies with the Better Business Bureau. If you’re using an auction web site, check the seller’s feedback information and ratings to ensure it’s a legitimate merchant. It’s important that you get the actual name and physical address of the merchant. This information will make it easier to research the merchant with consumer protection agencies.

2. Note delivery costs, schedule, and method posted by each seller. You can sometimes find merchants who offer free shipping, which can save you a bundle. But be sure you read their delivery policies carefully: Do they offer a delivery window? A “white glove” policy? In-house or curbside delivery?

3. Make safe payments. First, never make a payment through an unsecured payment screen. When you get to the screen on which you’re entering payment information, the first part of the Web site address should change to “shttp” or “https,” which lets you know that the information is encrypted. Some browsers also display icons, usually at the bottom of the window, that indicate an encrypted screen. Never enter personal information into a pop-up window. Also, it’s always best to pay with a credit card, because federal law allows you to dispute the charges if you don’t get what you were expecting. Don’t forget to check your credit card statements carefully for overcharges or unauthorized charges.

4. Keep all documentation related to your purchase. Print an order confirmation and keep all packing slips and invoices once your sofa arrives.

5. Beware of unsolicited e-mails and phone calls claiming that there’s some sort of problem with your order. If you’re ever requested to provide any information this way, it’s your queue that you’re dealing with a scammer.

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About the Author

Vanessa Kirkland is freelance writer whose articles offer consumer advice and decorating tips for home furniture including
sofas, futons, and coffee tables.

[tags]sofas,leather furniture,futons,coffee tables,recliners,home decor,ottomans[/tags]

This is a great idea I saw a few years ago. It worked well then and works great now, with the new plastic gutters that are available.

Way back then gutters where wood or steel. The guys I saw used wood and oiled it so the concrete did not stick. They still had some problems removing the curbs but it worked!

What you do is get a couple of 10′ lengths of plastic gutter.

Make some braces to stop it from stretching open when you fill it. These can be made with 1″ x 6″ boards placed along each side and braced with stakes driven into the ground.
You will also need to cut a couple of pieces to cover each end. These can be screwed on to the brace boards.

Oil the inside of the gutter and fill with concrete!

In a couple of days remove your 1 x 6 boards and you will be able to take out your new curb. They come out easy because you can stretch the plastic a bit to help with removal.

Don’t try to drag the curb around for at least a week, cover it with plastic and keep it wet for 7 days. It should be cured enough to use buy then if your temperature is in the 60 - 70 degree range. If it is colder you should wait longer, or until late Spring or Summer!!

It is also a good plan to add a length of 1/2″ rebar to the curb when it is about 1/2 poured. This will make it far stronger and less likely to break when you are maneuvering it around.

These are VERY heavy so try to make them as close as you can to where the will be living. I always try to do them so all I have to do is roll them over and they are in place.

A good aggregate type mix is best for this.

copyright 2005 Del Germyn

Author - Del Germyn Web site http://www.delsmolds.com My web site is setup to help you and I learn more about molds and casting in general.
YOU WILL FIND..
Articles on how to mix your concrete, hypertufa, etc for different uses.
Free information on how to make your own molds. Tips and hints on their use and care.
Free information on making and using various types of molds to cast concrete, plaster, cement,
ceramics, and molding with hypertufa.
Suggestions for projects that you can do in a couple of hours that will make your yard / garden look great.
All the information on the site is free to use and share.
http://www.delsmolds.com go to my site now.

I am hoping that when you see what I have (or have not) set out you will send in your tips and stories.

By sharing we can all learn from each other. We can also help newcomers to the hobby / business.

[tags]concrete,garden,forms,driveway,edging,border,bordering,pathway,cement,molds,pour,sides,cast,[/tags]

Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most overlooked areas in most households interior design layout. In this article we’ll discuss how to double the functional space in the bedrooms of your house.

Think Vertical

Effective space planning and interior design requires that you plan in three dimensions - so start thinking about the space above your head and higher up on the walls. There are great functional bedding and storage solutions you can use to easily double your floor space in a bedroom and its functional storage space.

Futons for the guest rooms

Why waste the functionality and floor space of a designated guest room when it can normally operate as your den or library? When guests are expected, simply fold down the futon and make it into your guest bedroom.

Loft beds for older children

Loft beds are excellent functional solutions for older children that also want to use their bedroom as a social hangout or study room. A loft bed allows you to place a sofa or study desk underneath the bed. This also creates a great atmosphere under the bed that is private and quiet.

Bunk beds for the youngsters

When there is more than one child in a bedroom bunk beds are a logical solution for using more of the vertical space available in a room, and also creates more space on the floor for playtime.

Murphy beds for studios and 1 bedroom apartments

Murphy beds are a great bed design to incorporate when space is on limited supply. Installing a Murphy bed will instantly open up the room floor space. In small apartments, installing a Murphy bed can have the effect of feeling like you’ve just added another entire room! Murphy beds are also a great option for adding to dens or studies to create a guest room.

High platform beds for more storage

Platform beds are becoming very common now as bed designers switch from using bulky box springs to sleeker and more durable platform supports for bed designs. The old space of a box spring easily creates another vertical foot of potential storage space under your bed. For a regular king size bed, this will create an additional 42 square feet of storage space under the bed.

Air beds for emergency guest rooms

If your spare rooms in the house are dedicated to other functions that you really don’t want to give up, then consider getting an airbed to use when having house guests stay over. Air beds are portable, inflate quickly, and have good support and functionality. You can also get air beds that quick inflate themselves from a small duffel bag.

Trundle beds

Trundle beds are great to have in kids rooms to pull out for sleepovers and can operate as a second temporary bed if the need arises. When not in use it simply slides back under the bed. If you have a trundle bed then you can free up more space in your storage room by getting rid of any fold out cots or beds.

Day beds

Day beds are a functional bedding alternative that also creates a sitting area during the day. Great for apartments, girls rooms, or dens and guest rooms.

Captain’s beds

To maximize storage space in your child’s room consider a captain bed. With so many drawers under the higher bed frame you can do away with separate dresser drawers to free up more floor space.

If you start to think vertical in you interior space planning you can be on your way to doubling your useable interior floor space in your home. For more bed resources and design tips you can visit http://www.loft-beds-bunk-beds.com/loft-beds.htm

About The Author

S.A. Smith is a freelance writer, editor, and contributor to the Loft Beds Bunk Beds resource site, and can be reached at http://www.loft-beds-bunk-beds.com.

[tags]beds,bedroom,space planning,home,home decor,home furniture,sleep,bedding[/tags]

Room makeovers for people with more sense than money

Uniquely practical/Practically unique room makeovers

Let’s be really honest not everyone has a degree in Interior Design. When it comes to room makeovers you don’t need a Degree. Who’s to say you can’t design your own room makeovers yourself and make it all your own. With your new room makeovers, imagine being the proud owner of a room, you designed all yourself. We have the solutions to your home makeovers needs. Choose a room in your home that needs to be made over and we can help. Do a little something in every room in your home. Room Makeovers are simple. Decorate with your own sense of style and budget. Easy and Affordable ways to do room makeovers and redecorate. You can do any room in your home. Faux painting technique, choices for paint and how to use color, design choices for Furniture and much more.

We all have our own styles. Make that simple change! Do something different. Get yourself that new sofa or that new lamp you love for that bedroom makeover. Be a winner! Choose that new wall color for that bathroom makeover. Make that giant leap into the future with an updated Tuscan kitchen decor makeover. Room makeovers designed by you. Yes, you really can be your own interior designer, and do your room makeovers! You CAN do it, with our help. Explore the possibilities of new room makeovers. Don’t leave your decorating in someone else’s hands.

Will you turn your back on the opportunity to show your own sense of style with your new room makeovers? Will you walk away from the chance to show your friends and family how talented you are? Have you ever wished you could wiggle your nose andmake that change to that drab dining room, that ugly color in your master bathroom or those drawer pulls on the kitchen cabinets? Today is the day. Do it today! Fancy something completely different? Why not take a second and closer look at all the rooms in your home?

My name is Sue Inman, I live in Texas with my husband David, we have been married for 11 years. I was born and raised here in Texas. We have 4 beautiful children, ages 10, 8, 7, and 4. I am a stay at home mother and lovin it. My corporation name is Suber, Inc.
I have always had a passion for interior decorating and organizing. I think everyone has the potential to make their home beautiful.
Please visit my web site at www.redesignroom.com
I can show you how to make it happen….

[tags]room makeovers, shopping, bedroom, bath, living room, Tuscan kitchen, teen, kids, nursery, garage[/tags]

Looking for ways to improve your home’s appearance…without spending a fortune? Here’s how I gave our old family room a burst of color - without bursting our budget!

I was tired of looking at the same old earth tones in our family room. Everything seemed so “safe” and blah.

With winter storms blowing in every week, I wanted a fresh burst of spring! But I had to stay within a budget as we just finished up with holiday spending.

I browsed through Pier 1 Imports and with great ease I collected a few colorful and well-made items and put those together to coordinate an outstanding new look for our family room that screamed “fresh and alive!” I began by removing the throw pillows that came with our sofas. I replaced them with bright gold pillows. I was just looking for a splash of color to brighten those sofas.

On the walls, I relocated a hanging clock and took down old tired pieces of artwork and replaced them with paintings with the same vibrant gold color to honor the new theme: new life! Pier 1 had some gorgeous silk florals on sale and I teamed them up with a handsome red hand blown glass vase for a stunning look.

Finally, I grouped a cluster of simple white glass candle holders of various sizes, inserted brand new scented yellow candles and the look was elegant, yet comfortable and new. For less than $150 I changed a tired room and gave it a clean, fresh new look.

That’s all we needed!

We didn’t need to paint, buy new furniture etc. It just needed a lift, and our spirits soared.

You don’t always have to think big when redecorating. Something as small as new throw pillows and new scattered throw rugs might be all you need.

Have fun!

Ann Bickell is the co-owner of HouseBuying-Tips.com, a site that helps first time home buyers avoid the costly mistakes that many new homebuyers make. For more tips on buying a house, getting a mortgage, finding a realtor, and getting out of debt, sign up for the free “How To Avoid These 10 Costly Mistakes When Buying Your First Home” email course at: http://www.HouseBuying-Tips.com © 2006 HouseBuying-Tips.com

[tags]home improvement,facelift,interior decorating,improve appearance,remodeling[/tags]

How do you find the right home furnishings for your budget and your tastes? Most of us only buy furniture once every ten years or so depending on which consumer study you check out. That means that when we do make those furniture purchases, we are usually a little uneasy about the process. After all, most of us buy a car more frequently than we do home furnishings.

When it comes to home furnishing shopping, there is actually some really good news. Whereas the furniture retain industry used to have a reputation similar to that of used car lots, the industry has made a push to change that perception. Most home furnishing stores now use a no hassle, low-pressure sales technique. In addition, many of them have eliminating haggling from their pricing. Most of the stores are even now offering things like lounges and concessions to make your shopping experience easier. In addition, prices are dropping and customer service is rising.

So what should you be looking for, specifically, in a home furnishing store? That is a tough question to answer, because a lot of it is going to depend on your budget and your taste. Like with anything else, home furnishings range in price a great deal. However, for the price conscious shopper, there are a number of budget priced furniture stores. Don’t let the prices fool you, though. Many of the lower priced stores offer great warranties on their furniture. The truth is that many times the cheaper furniture is made in the exact same warehouses as the more expensive furniture. The only difference is who is ordering the frames and what brand is burned into it. Therefore, it may be worth your time, no matter what your budget is, to check out your local home furnishing warehouse store.

The second thing you should check into is the customer service offered by the home furnishing store you are thinking of working with. Find out what kind of warranties the store itself offers on the furniture. Most will use the manufacturer, but if you can find one that services at least part of the furniture themselves you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle down the road. The other consideration to make is how easily you are able to get in touch with someone if you have a problem with your furniture once it is delivered or picked up. Do they have a central customer service staff? Or will you be dealing with your sales person who has already made their money on the deal? These are things to ask about and then weigh against what you are looking for in terms of the furniture before choosing the store.

It is a big deal to buy home furnishings. It changes the look of your home, is a large purchase, and is something you don’t do often. Because of those factors, it can also be very stressful. The best way to make the experience a good one is to make sure you work with a good home furnishings store that fits your needs. Check out their quality, selection, and customer service, but remember one other thing. The most important factor you should consider when buying home furnishings is how much you are going to like the furniture. Get what you like, stay in your budget, and odds are that you will enjoy your new home look.

If you would like to view more of my personal articles on homes, please visit my furniture site.

[tags]home furnishings,home furnishing,home furniture,furniture,home remodeling,remodeling[/tags]

Shower curtains are a quick and inexpensive way to change the look of your bathroom. For much less than $100, you can go from plain to exceptional. An often overlooked facet of bathroom decorating is the shower curtain hook.

Shower curtain hooks are used to attach shower curtains to rods. Though they are functional, they do not have to be boring. Hooks are available in many different styles. No matter your decorating style, you are sure to find a shower curtain hook to match.

They are available in a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, brass, silver, and copper, and in a rainbow of colors. They come in many different styles, from gleaming chrome to distressed heart-shaped curtain hooks to fit a country d

A cook’s best friend, Petroselinum crispum, commonly known as curly parsley, is used in myriad ways in the kitchen. Often discarded by diners as ‘just a garnish,’ parsley has many valuable nutrients including bet-carotene, calcium, iron, and Vitamins A and C in easily assimilated form. Parsley has a pleasant flavour and is often used as a breath freshener particularly after eating raw garlic and onions.

Parsley is a hardy biennial or short-lived perennial and grows 10 -12 inches (24 - 30 cm) tall. Cultivation requirements: fairly rich, moist soil, full sun or partial shade, water well during dry periods. In the second year, yellowish-white flowers are produced. Parsley can be treated as an annual for cooking purposes, as the first year’s leaves are superior to the later crops. Parsley will self-sow so you can leave it where it is. Curly parsley makes a gorgeous edging along garden beds and is attractive planted with flowers and in container gardens. You can start the plants in the house prior to planting in the garden or you can seed it straight into the location where you want it to grow.

Parsley can be grown indoors or out. Grow parsley from seed or you can purchase started plants at the garden centres. I have read numerous times that it is hard to germinate parsley from seed but I have not had any problems. If growing parsley in pots, plant in a deep pot to accommodate the long taproot. Parsley can be brought indoors at the end of the growing season the same as other herbs. When bringing indoors, pot up in fresh potting soil, and check for critters. If there is an infestation, spray with a soap and water spray.

Parsley requires at least 5 hours of sunlight if grown indoors. If you are growing it on a windowsill, parsley should be turned regularly to ensure that all sides receive sunlight. Parsley grows well under fluorescents lights during the winter. Hang lights 6 inches (15 cm) from the plants and leave on for 14 hours a day.

In the garden, parsley can be planted near asparagus, corn, and tomatoes. In the kitchen, parsley can be used fresh in salads, sauces, and soups. Add to stews, stuffing, vegetable dishes, eggs, tabbouleh, dips, biscuits, omelets, rice and pasta dishes, meat, fish, shellfish, poultry - the list is endless. Parsley can be mixed with soft cheeses such as ricotta or cottage cheese. Chop it finely, mash into butter and serve with bread, or melt it into casseroles, scrambled eggs, or pasta. Tie 3 sprigs of parsley, 1 sprig of thyme, and 1 bay leaf together with string to make a bouquet garni. Add the herbs to a soup pot and pull out just before serving.

Parsley can be dried or frozen. To store fresh parsley in the fridge, place the stems in a glass jar of cold water. It will stay fresh for several days.

Gwen Nyhus Stewart, B.S.W., M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance writer, garden consultant, and author of the book The Healing Garden: A Place Of Peace - Gardening For The Soil, Gardening For The Soul and the booklet Non-toxic Alternatives For Everyday Cleaning And Gardening Products. She owns the website Gwen’s Healing Garden where you will find lots of free information about gardening for the soil and gardening for the soul. To find out more about the books and subscribe to her free Newsletter visit http://www.gwenshealinggarden.ca

Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 - 2005. All rights reserved.

[tags]parsley, growing indoors and out, cultivation requirements, uses in the kitchen and garden[/tags]

Get bedroom decorating ideas, and the best in bedroom furniture, bedroom decor and
bedroom design. Decorate your bedroom to get the space, furniture and look you
want.

Evaluate your bedroom, starting with the sense of touch, making sure your bed and
mattress are as comfortable as possible. A well-designed bedroom should be a place
where you can escape and find peace. Use what you have already; just rearrange your
furniture and accessories using professional interior design trade secrets, tricks and
tips.

For easy bedroom decorating ideas, discover incredible ways to give your home a fresh
new look, all for under $50! You don’t need to spend a fortune to give your home a
new look.

Personalize your comforter by adding instant pattern and color to the bed. Leave a
stack of recent magazines and favorite books for relaxing and reading in bed, place a
candle on your nightstand and blow it out along with your reading light when you’re
ready to sleep!

Only your imagination and preferences limit the possibilities for bedroom decorating
ideas. You will find great pleasure not only in the beautiful results, but also in the
togetherness of the design process. Your bedroom should be a place where you can
get away from it all.

About The Author:

Roger King is a successful author and publisher of http://www.1st-home-decor.com
Bedroom decorating ideas to showcase your homes.

[tags]Bedroom decorating ideas, Bedroom decorating ideas[/tags]

A piece of furniture doesn’t just serve a functional purpose. It is a part of the home decor, expected to coordinate with the house’s ambience and have a style and personality of its own. The furniture industry has risen to this demand and has gone a step further in providing a plethora of design and style options. Furniture stores of all possible kinds swarm the market. Retail furniture stores, lifestyles stores, exclusive baby furniture stores, office furniture stores, home office furniture stores, used furniture stores, wholesale and discount stores, and unfinished and ready-to-make unassembled furniture stores are all making their presence felt. Specialized furniture stores for every demand are easily found in the local markets as well as online. The easy availability of good-quality furniture present in specialized stores and displayed appealingly sometimes creates a need among consumers where none existed before.

The best way to find local furniture stores is to search the Yellow Pages or mail-order catalogs. Surfing the net for local stores is not a very productive effort. However, some websites like www.furniturefan.com give a listing of various furniture stores scattered across America. Caution should be the name of the game while making purchases. Good quality, high-demand products, including vintage, antique and authentic rustic pieces, come with a heavy price. For those short on cash, many stores offer financing, easy-payment deals, and down payment options during purchases. Sometimes these turn out to be sneaky. It always helps to check the various written policies (damaged products, refund etc) and the reputation of the store before going for any deal.

It is always better to buy from stores, whether offline or online, as they provide good quality products in eclectic styles catering to everyone’s taste. Brands include Ethan Allen, Ashley, Millennium, Wesley Allen, Geovanny Turanu and many more. Most stores provide free local shipping, and the product is packaged appropriately for damage-free delivery.

Online stores like www.furniture.com and www.furniturefind.com enable a customer to shop in the comfort of their home. Most websites feature room planners and style guides to aid a customer in his hunt for the perfect furniture. It’s safer to check the websites for the BBB logo. The BBB (Better Business Bureau) is a non-government mediating organization that seeks to settle disputes, if any, between a business body and the consumer.

Furniture Stores provides detailed information on Furniture Stores, Online Furniture Stores, Discount Furniture Stores, Used Furniture Stores and more. Furniture Stores is affiliated with Furniture Rental Stores.

[tags]Furniture Stores, Online Furniture Stores, Discount Furniture Stores, Used Furniture Stores[/tags]