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Moving means keeping your wits together and whether you are single or part of a family the kitchen is one place that will present great challenges. For most people the kitchen is the last place to be packed and the first to be unpacked. This is because food and drink rule our lives.

Since a kitchen is well stocked with appliances, pots, pans, and umpteen small items it generally presents the most difficulties. The way to tackle the mammoth task is stick to the ABCs, find out what you need, what can be given away, and keep your choices simple and without emotions. So create two sections: take with you and give away. Those that are categorized under give away should be disposed off without a second thought. Have a garage sale or give away to charity. Useless non functional things should be just thrown away.

Tips:

1. Before packing make an essentials box. It should contain the bare necessities of life to tide you over until you unpack completely. The box should have: dish soaps, towels, cleaner, salt, pepper, sugar, tea, instant coffee, a toaster, jam, peanut butter, pasta sauce, cheese, biscuits, baby and pet food, kitchen tools like knife, spatula, and can opener, a match box, torch, and an emergency tool kit.

2. Buy packing material in different sizes: large boxes for cutlery, baking tins, spice racks, and so on; medium boxes for appliances, pantry stuff, silverware, books; and heavy duty boxes for fragile items. Be sure to get bubble wrap, zip lock bags, labels, markers, and sealing tape.

3. Pack section wise so that when you unpack things that go together stay together. Put small things like nuts, covers, and keys into zip lock bags.

4. For breakables use cell boxes. Wrap fragile items in newspaper, towels, and sheets. If any thing is very expensive or an antique hire professional packers for these items so that you can be sure they arrive safely.

5. Only take light and expensive things with you. Use or give away canned and frozen foods. Keep the moving costs in mind when deciding what should be packed and moved.

6. Get all appliances serviced and packed for the move in accordance with instructions given in their manuals. If in doubt, ask the manufacturer. A great site is www.appliance411.com , they have information on appliances. Before packing check with the owner of your new home whether there are any appliances, some rental premises have appliances fitted.

Give away fruits, vegetables, perishables, as well as open cleaning supplies. Pay special attention to insecticides, paints, turpentine, car oils, and coolants, these are dangerous and can cause harm to kids and animals.

The golden keys are: can x, y, z be replaced and is it too expensive to move; is x, y, z very rare and the expense of moving worth it. When packing, keep a ready reference list of your new home and its dimensions and the space available in the kitchen and whether or not there is a pantry.

If you pack right then unpacking will be a breeze and your kitchen will be functional in no time at all. It’s all about being organized and disciplined.

Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for www.1888MovingCompanies.com , the premier website to find help on Moving including topics on moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips and more. He also freelances for the premier Coupon Code Site www.1888CouponCode.com

[tags]moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips[/tags]

What Will The Neighbors Say?

Sure, you can bet the neighbors will talk. You might even get into trouble with your homeowners association. Well, if you can’t save the world because of zoning clauses and restrictions, see if you can get them amended. If that won’t work, saving half of the world you live in most is better than nothing: turn to your back yard and make it your own, personal harmonious garden. No one has to know. Think of it as your stealth garden, that thing just behind the fence your neighbor can’t see over, the one all the birds and butterflies are flocking to. It’s the effort that counts and you’ll still sleep better knowing you’re “sticking it to the man.” Especially if you get your efforts certified. For a $15.00 application fee, you can get the National Wildlife Federation http://www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat to make it official with a “beautiful personalized certificate suitable for framing.” For an extra $25.00, you can get an outdoor sign announcing to all the world (or at least to those in your backyard stealth garden) that you are certifiable in your convictions. I got mine on December 8, 1994, certificate number 15036 and, although I no longer live there, I know the sign still stands proudly in my harmonious garden and that it is still bringing peace and a good night’s sleep to the home’s new occupants. In fact, knowing the greenscaping was “registered” helped sell the house which is a unique point: harmonious gardens done right can increase the value of your home. Talk about a radical concept!

Oh, how subversive! How exciting it all is! I bet you never thought gardening could be so stimulating. Well, that depends on where you live and how much you value your right to grow a “peace-generating garden.” I think in most instances you’ll be able to get away with it until your subversive garden starts to grow.

“Are those weeds?”
“Where’s the order?”
“Where’s the grass?”
“Are you freaking nuts?”

Or you might hear nothing. When I planted my first harmonious garden, my neighbors grew quiet and smiled weakly at me when I said hello. In time they came to appreciate what was going on across the street especially when they realized I had given up mowing the lawn for watching my garden grow. That one always wins them over in the end even if they don’t mow their own lawns because they realize someone is saving money on gardener fees and it ain’t them.

Resisting change is probably part of our human nature. New ideas rarely are accepted right off the batespecially when they challenge our way of looking at the world.

Or at least our neighborhoods.

After a few months your new subversive garden will speak for you in the subtle voice of a songbird and through the bold colors of blooming wildflowers, reminding all who see it that this is the natural way of the world, that harmony, frugality, and common sense reside across the street.

D.C. Copeland is a writer and award-winning artist. In 1970, he co-founded Ecology Action of Florida which combined recycling and working the disadvantaged. When visiting Copeland’s personal website and blog http://www.miamivisionblogarama.blogspot.com/, you will discover that Wayne Cochran is the Patron Saint and that many people consider it to be “The Rodney Dangerfield of Blogs.”

[tags]gardening,water conservation,ecology,native plants,family activity,saving money,greenscaping[/tags]

Wrought iron is a timeless material that has been used for many purposes. Initially, the metal found more uses for functional outdoor items such as railings. Later on, however, wrought iron found a place for all types of practical home d

Is it important to mind your p’s and q’s when you are landscaping or grooming your property? You bet, as there is nothing worse than starting a neighborhood feud. You need to create your landscape your way, but a little etiquette will make the final product much more pleasant. Good neighbors can be hard to come by, so don’t destory a long term relationship because of a short term project. Following are landscape etiquette tips that will keep you in your neighbor’s good graces when landscaping your yard.

1. Don’t grade your yard in a way that pushes your surface water on to your neighbor’s property. Control your runoff on site. It might require the creation of a dry creek bed or a rain garden, but these can become attractive landscape features as well as being functional.
2. Don’t pile all your junk and equipment at the edge of your property so that you don’t have to look at it but yet is in your neighbor’s line of vision. Do you think your neighbor likes it any better than you? Screen it with plants or privacy fencing.
3. Don’t create a noise problem with dogs, kids or loud parties. If you need to, mitigate the noise as best as possible with the use of a privacy fence and a dense landscape barrier. Find other ways to minimize your onsite noise, and by all means invite your neighbors when you have an outdoor party. That is a great way to minimize friction.
4. Don’t install strong lighting that is intrusive. Your neighbors won’t appreciate a flood light beaming in their bedroom window. Be sensitive to their privacy. Many individuals are star gazers and enjoy looking up at the night skies, so be cautious with the use of landscape lighting. Consider installing low voltage path or accent lights that are hooded and cast light downward. They are more than adequate for safety and much more attractive than flood lights.
5. Don’t spray herbicides or other chemicals during windy conditions. Have you ever had plants mysteriously die and then recall that a someone had been spraying weeds in the area earlier that day? Chemicals don’t know where the property lines are.
6. Don’t intrude into your neighbor’s yard. If your contractor needs to enter your property from your neighbor’s, make sure you have permission and give assurances that at the end of your project the property will be just like you found it. Also, know where your property line is. If you are at all in doubt have a survey completed.
7. Don’t allow your contractor and employees to smoke onsite while doing your project. Tobacco mosaic is a virus that is generally transmitted from the hands and tools of smokers and chewers. This can dramatically affect annuals, vegetable plants and some perennials. It’s not worth it.
8. Don’t allow contractors to begin work too early in the morning unless your neighbors are early risers. There is nothing worse than waking at six in the morning to the vibrations of a bobcat or a load of boulders rolling out of the box of a dump truck.
9. Don’t use invasive plants if they can rapidly move to neighboring properties. Only use them if they are contained in planters or by solid barriers.

In the rush to get going on a landscape project, people tend to forget their manners. Don’t let the thought of a beautiful landscape cloud your thinking. A few simple preparations ahead of time and remembering your manners will make sure that you don’t start a neighbor feud.

Donna Evans is co-owner of Gizmo Creations LLC, a landscape design and website design company located just north of Brainerd Minnesota. Their website, http://www.gizmocreations.com has numerous sample landscape plans, landscaping articles and a forum where you can post your gardening and landsaping questions.

[tags]landscape design, gardening, landscaping tips, how to landscape[/tags]

Gardens, by themselves are places of relaxation. The colorful flowers in bloom and the green foliage inspire meditation and calmness for the mind. But no garden is complete without a fountain. Water, as the source of life of the garden is presented in full glory and beauty by fountains.

The sound of water not only brings tranquility by drowning out the other ambient noises like the sound of traffic, but also adds character to the garden. Every garden, big or small, has to have just the right kind of fountain.

Garden fountains can come in many sizes, kinds, and designs. Examples of garden fountains are the wall fountains and the pond fountains. The wall fountains are basin-like fountains that have low sprays and are so named because they are attached to walls. Small gardens often use wall fountains because they don’t take a lot of space. Bigger gardens, like those found within public parks have pond fountains. Some are literally as large as a pond. These are usually wired and mechanically programmed to exhibit different patterns of water sprays and are lighted to add more attraction and enhance the drama of their display.

But no matter the size of your garden, installing a fountain will always have its rewards. Not only will they add to the tranquility and beauty of the garden, they will also attract small birds to come bathe in your garden.

Garden fountains can be made from different materials but the best are ceramic and concrete. To enhance their looks, they may be carved with sculptures and given a sandstone finish. When installing one, make sure your contractor knows everything about the fountain, from wiring to drainage, and that he uses only materials that can withstand wear and tear for the longest time. Consider also the amount of effort required to maintain the structure.

Fountains provides detailed information on Fountains, Garden Fountains, Water Fountains, Pond Fountains and more. Fountains is affiliated with Wall Water Fountains.

[tags]Garden Fountains[/tags]

In my previous article, “planning for a new deck,” I outlined the steps for planning for a new deck. This article takes the process one step further. We’ll look at how to get started actually building your deck. By this time, I will assume that you have your building permit in hand, a good set of plans, and a materials list. If you don’t have a material list, simply take your plan to your nearest home center or building supply store and have them create one for you. Most lumber yards can actually arrange for delivery of all your materials at one time including all the nails and
screws are you will need. This can be quite handy on large projects or if you don’t own a truck or a trailer. The lumber yard will bring all the parts and pieces you will need to build your new deck.

The first place to start, is to set some posts for your deck to rest on. Were I live in
the Northeast, we have to deal with the frost and free cycle of winter. When I
received my building permit, the code officer made sure to point out that all posts
must be secured in country at least 36 inches below the surface of the ground. This
will ensure that when the ground freezes the posts of the deck will not heave. Check
with your local zoning office to find out what your specifications are for setting
posts.

Renting a post hole digger makes setting the posts much easier, especially if you
live in an area with a lot of playing or a lot of stone in your soil. I was able to dig a
half a dozen holes in less than an hour. Digging the same number of holes my hand
would’ve taken me at least half a day so the few dollars I spent on the post hole
digger rental was well worth it.

Next, a port some stoning concrete makes into the holes and set the posts. My plan
called for 4×4 posts. Your plans may be different. After the posts were in and let the
concrete cure according to the directions on the package. I then nailed 2 x 2 joists
to the side of the House and around the perimeter of the deck. I used metal choice
hangers to hang all the internal joists. You can also tell nailed them but metal
choice hangers are stronger and easier to use than trying to toenail large lumber.

There are lots of different types of taking you can use on top of your deck. I choose
simple pressure treated lumber. To attach the deck boards to the joists you can use
either nails or screws. If you use nails, make sure you use special spiral nails. These
help prevent nails from popping. Deck screws are preferable as they are stronger
but they are much more expensive than nails when laying out the decking, it is
easier to let the deck boards run long and trim them down later once the entire deck
surface is finished. When all the deck boards or laid, simply take a circular saw, and
cut all the ends off the deck.

For a finished look, attach a skirt board to the exposed edges of the decking and
over the rim joists. The last thing to do, if needed, would be to add railing, and or
steps. However, these basics should get you started.

Dean Novosat is an avid do-it-yourselfer and remodeler. He writes for http://build-decks-patios.com, http://for-gadget-guys.com, and http://www.the-kitchen-designer.com.

[tags]deck,decks,deck building,deck plan,home improvement,[/tags]

The latex mattress is soon to be the newest sleep system “craze” in North America, and it’s very popular right now in Europe. All the big names such as Sealy, Serta, Royal Pedic and Simmons all have come out with their own line of latex mattresses. Basically, the latex mattress is a mattress made from the sap of an actual rubber tree. There are two methods used to make them, thus producing the Dunlop latex mattress and the Talalay latex mattress. The Dunlop method whips the rubber in its liquid form and incorporates air into the mixture, and then it is put into a mold. The Talalay method also whips the rubber into a mold, but in addition, it will use core pins to cure the rubber, along with a vacuum system, thus producing a superior quality foam mattress with a more consistent cell structure. Of course, the more expensive of the two will be the Talalay latex, although both offer superior comfort and durability.

If you’re asking yourself why you would spend that kind of money on a mattress, there are many benifits. Whether it be a Dunlop latex or a Talalay latex, either way, a latex mattress outlasts conventional spring mattresses, and can last up to thirty years, and usually have warranties ranging in and around the twenty year mark, which is quite impressive. Other than that,, they possess great anti microbial properties, are virtually dustmite resistant and ventilation properties, which can do wonders for you if you suffer from asthma or any type of allergies. Organic latex mattresses are also available to even better these advantages. Convenience also plays an important part, and a latex mattress has no need to be flipped, ever.

With a latex mattress, you have the opportunity to experience a superior level of comfort that just cannot be reached with a conventianal inner spring mattress. A latex mattress comes in a variety of foam densities, generally the higher the density of the foam, the higher the quality. The latex foam mattress has the ability to conform to your bodies’ many curves, allowing the weight of your body to be evenly distributed, thus eliminating the existance of pressure points while you sleep soundly. Yes, they are more expensive, but one third of the average persons’ life is spent sleeping, so it may be worth the extra expense for those who appreciate a quality nights sleep. After all, the bonus of a good sleep just might be that you will wake up feeling completely refreshed and ready to take on the day. In the end, whether a Dunlop latex or a Talalay Latex type, a latex mattress is at the very least, well worth considering.

Dean Cecere is a regular contributor of resourceful articles providing information and a means to achieve superior sleep.

Please visit http://www.beds-foam-mattresses.com for a mountain of sleep solutions, including beds, mattresses, bedding, pillows and bedding accessories.

Thank you and please feel free to use this article providing the above lin is kept active.

[tags]latex mattress,dunlop latex,talalay latex[/tags]

Kitchens today are the family rooms of yesterday. Many have keeping rooms with fireplaces, and cozy nooks for reading, television viewing, and sharing a cup of coffee. Make the most of the heart of your home with some of the tips and suggestions here.

Brighten the backsplash! Tile is the most often selected material for durability and maintenance, but you can also use mirror, stainless steel, and even just paint. If you have old unattractive tile, you can even paint over it.

Tidy the clutter! Consider using baskets as easy storage solutions for those piles of mail, bills, and coupons. Be sure to get a bulletin board for trading family notes and posting the latest pictures.

Expand your space! Hang a pot rack. Most kitchens never seem to have quite enough storage. Expand yours by adding a pot rack over the stove. Yes, you will have to be more vigilant in cleaning both the insides and outsides of pans, but it is also a great excuse to invest in some new cookware.

Accessorize with function! Towels, pot holders, mitts, even canister sets now all come in such a myriad of patterns and colors, they are a wonderful and fast way to add interest and flavor to your kitchen. Be sure to keep extras on hand for display. There is nothing less appealing than grungy towels on the oven door handle, or a crusty mitt on that hook on the refrigerator.

Be bold with appliances! No longer are we stuck with white or stainless, but instead a rainbow of options is now available. Make a statement with color, bold or subdued, trendy, or classic.

Dress the cabinets! If you’ve got that typical 12″-18″ gap above your upper cabinets, dress it with a collection and some silk greenery. Make it practical, think of plates and pitcher, glass bottles, colorful ceramics, and such. Be sure to add rope lighting as a cost-effective way to make it all glow.

Add some glass! Is your kitchen feeling too dark, a bit heavy with so much wood? Consider adding some glass insets to selected cabinets, removing the wood panels. If you don’t want to showcase the contents, make it frosted or patterned. There are a host of options available today adding interest and lightening it up.

© 2005 Melissa Galt

Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients’ homes all over the Southeast for more than a decade, making their interior visions come true. She speaks to audiences nationally , on how to use design as the catalyst for “creating the life you’ve always dreamed of”. Melissa is the creator of Design Destinations, a free monthly guide to designing your signature life. To sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, visit http://www.melissagalt.com/

[tags]interior, design, decorating, kitchens, room makeovers[/tags]

The most important part of your kitchen re-do is in the color choice and paints that you choose. Here you will find a few tips that I have found to make the process easier as well as less costly.

Do Your Research!-Look through magazines or online to find the right color scheme for you. Try to find a kitchen similar to yours. Be realistic, you want this to be a stress-free and economical project.

References-Print off or tear out a picture of the kitchen design and colors of your choice. Carry it with you for paint and accessories.

Color Choices-Choose two colors and one neutral. Remember-this is a re-do. Choose something different. Stay away from a shade lighter or darker than what you already have. Different brands offer different shades. The slightest difference in your shade can throw off the balance of your accent colors. Collect color chips made by all brands. Make sure to compare them and to pick the shades and colors in your own lighting.

Paints-Put your money into good paint. Some will be gooey going on, or be too thin to cover, causing wasted paint and more stress. The better paint will flow and cover easily, saving you money in the end.

Brushes-A good 2″ angle brush is a must. It is wonderful for the hard-to-reach places and can make the perfect edge. More is better when it comes to the amount of paint you want on your brushes and rollers.

Be Brave!-If you have done your homework, it will pay off. Your kitchen can look just as good, if not better, than your reference picture.

Good planning leaves more money in your pocket!

(c) 2006 Terri Oh

About the Author Terri Oh is a mother and grandmother who spends her free time trying to come up with ways to make the old look new, and the boring look fresh and fun again! See how she Gotter-Done!

[tags]paint, kitchen, budget, design,[/tags]

Modern shower stalls look sleek and stylish. If you have the space, adding a shower stall in addition to your bathtub can be a great way to improve your bathroom. As much as people enjoy relaxing in the tub, with the time pressures of everyday life if can be very convenient to just have a quick shower, without having to wait for the tub to fill up. It can be a real luxury to have the choice!

There’s a wide range of different designs to choose from, depending on your personal preferences and your bathroom’s style. These days shower stalls made from tempered glass are a favorite choice. Glass can let light through, which can help create a fresh and open feel in a small room. Acrylic shower stalls are another popular option. Shower stalls are designed to be leak free and easy to keep clean. A well made model should provide many years of performance.

If you are thinking about having a shower stall installed in your bathroom, give some thought to what kind of door you want. Sliding doors are the most common style because they can be used in a small space. If you have a larger bathroom you may fancy having a folding door, which can look very grand. However, bear in mind that it is essential to have enough room for the door to open outwards without any obstruction, to prevent anyone becoming trapped inside the shower stall. Accordion style doors are another option. They are great for barrier free easy access.

With some careful planning a shower stall can be a fantastic addition to any bathroom and the internet can be a great place to get some ideas to help you make your decision!

Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer who has written many articles for http://www.showers-bathrooms.com,your one stop source for finding the best deals on shower stalls, shower curtains, bathroom vanities and more. Shop online and save!

[tags]shower stalls,shower stall,shower curtains,bathroom vanities,acrylic shower stalls,shower doors[/tags]