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When we found out we were having twins, our teenage daughter volunteered to move into a smaller bedroom so that the twins could have the bigger one. It was definitely time to come up with a new bedroom theme! We also didn’t have much space to work with or a lot of money to spend. So when we moved her into the smaller bedroom, she decided to decorate with a black and white theme.

The walls were already white, so that part was easy. Having the walls white also makes the room look as large as possible.

As a school project, our daughter repainted an old cabinet that was mine when I was growing up. She sanded it, painted it white, and then decoupaged onto the cabinet black and white photos (mostly scenery she liked) from magazines and photos that she had printed from the Internet. She then printed some of her favorite Bible verses in different sizes and in different fonts and decoupaged them on the cabinet. We found some black knobs to match. She was happy with how it turned out, and she got a good grade on the project!

She found some black and white posters for the walls that she liked. Because of the limited space we decided to put up shelves on the walls to replace her bookcase. My husband spray painted the metal runners that the shelves hang on black, and the shelves are white. It looks really nice and frees up a lot of room. We also found an inexpensive black TV stand at Walmart to put her stereo on since she had to give up the dresser it had been on before.

We had an old bulletin board that needed a facelift. We taped around the inside of the board and then spray painted the frame of the board black. We then used a paintbrush to paint the cork white.

My daughter likes candles, so she accented her room with white candles and black candle holders.

So that’s how, on a very small budget, we decorated our teenage daughter’s bedroom in black and white, and we were all very happy with the result!

Pictures of the finished results:
http://www.frugal-home-decor.com/articles/053005a.shtml

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For inspirational articles and tips for everyday living, visit her web sites at http://www.creativehomemaking.com and http://www.frugal-home-decor.com

[tags]teen,room,decor,bedroom,decorating ideas[/tags]

Kitchen sinks get a lot of use. Fortunately, they are one of the most inexpensive features to replace in the kitchen. There is a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles available. The cost varies considerably according to the style and material used in the sink. The decision is important because your sink will last for a long time. You want to choose something you will love for a long time.

Single or Double Kitchen Sinks

Most sinks can be classified into single or double basin models. There are a few triple basin sinks, but they are less common. The sizes of these vary in both width and depth. Consider your kitchen and how you use your sink to help make the choice between a single or a double.

The size of your kitchen will help determine the best choice. Single models are often best for smaller kitchens. A small kitchen can seem overwhelmed by a large double sink. Double sinks have some benefits as well. They are nice for washing dishes and preparing large meals.

Materials Used in Sinks

Stainless Steel is the most popular choice in materials for sinks. It is light weight and easy to install. In addition, it is easy to maintain. The gauge of the steel determines the quality of the material. The lower the gauge, the better the quality. Another factor is the percentage of chromium and nickel in the steel. The more of each the better the quality.

Porcelain is very attractive. It is most often chosen for aesthetics. Porcelain looks great in country or traditional kitchen d

Tackling home-improvement projects that need to be done can be both exciting and rewarding. But going at it the wrong way can be a big disappointment and a source of a lot of stress. The best success is had when you plan ahead well and you pick the right time for doing the project. Here are some very important do it yourself home improvement tips to help every project be a success.

1. Almost any interior home-improvement project is going to make a mess, and that means that your home will be in disarray while the project is going on. For many, this is the most frustrating part of the entire project. So if you know that a particular room or area of the house is going to need some repairs, why not plan in advance and try to accomplish as much as you can in that area at one time?

If you don’t want dirt and debris flying all over your furniture in that area you will need to prepare your home in advance, usually by covering them with bedsheets or plastic sheeting. So it’s much easier to do this in one entire section of the house at a time, instead of having to recover everything over and over again.

2. Even if you plan on doing all the work yourself, it’s always a good idea to have the phone numbers of local professionals available in case you run into a major problem. When remodeling, there is just no telling what kind of problems you may encounter. Some of it you may be able to handle on your own, and some you may not. Butt having the phone numbers of experts in that field handy can keep the project moving forward even when difficult situations are encountered.

3. If you have a family, keep in mind that small children and power tools just don’t mix. Of course, they will probably want to be with you and maybe even join in and help you. But for safety’s sake, be sure to keep them completely away from any power tools or equipment that could cause harm.

4. It doesn’t matter what project you get involved in, or how organized you are in planning it, you are always going to find something that you need right away in order to finish. It’s just Murphy’s Law. So try not to start any major remodeling projects at a time when supply stores and tool rental shops are not open. When you need something for the project, and you definitely will, it’s a real relief to be able to just run down and get it right away without causing much work delay.

5. If you have to work around any of the home appliances or electrical and plumbing, be sure that you know for certain where and how to turn off all of the water, gas and electricity services to your home. If an emergency situation arises, you don’t want to have to find the shutoffs at the last minute.

Although improving your home can be a lot of fun, you need to be smart about how you do it as well. Following the tips given above should at least help you get your home improvement projects off to the right start.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including home improvement. You can find out more about do it yourself home improvements and do it yourself home repair by visiting our Home Improvement website.

[tags]home improvement, remodeling, home construction, home plans, home repair[/tags]

The humidity level within our homes is very important to our health, too much or too little humidity can cause everything from condensation and mold to dry skin and respiratory issues. Our homes and our bodies depend on the right humidity levels to stay strong and healthy.

Humidity is described as the water vapor levels that are in the air that we breathe. When the air warms up, the vapor levels drop. As the air becomes heavy with rain, the levels begin to rise. Either of these extremes causes us to become uncomfortable and more susceptible to illnesses.

In the winter, the humidity levels tend to be low due to continued use of furnaces and other heating devices. When this happens, we are left with dry skin, lips and eyes, which are uncomfortable, but can be dealt with. However, for some people, especially the very young, very old or those already compromised by sickness, the dryer air can leave them more susceptible to respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma.

The use of a home humidifier will bring the air moisture levels to where they need to be. There are several types of humidifiers to choose. A popular type of devise works by warming up water from a reservoir tank, the evaporated water is then dispersed through the home with the use of a fan system. Another system utilizes a continuous mist or steam that is dispersed through the whole house, putting the needed moisture into the air.

A dehumidifier addresses the opposite problem. When the air that we breathe becomes saturated with water, we become uncomfortable, the air is sticky and it is harder to breath. The most common way to deal with this problem is with the use of an air conditioner, which literally sucks the water from the air. This effectively lowers the moisture levels and makes us more comfortable.

If an air conditioner is not an option, the next most common way to control high humidity levels is with the use of a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan; these are the two places where high humidity levels are frequently found. The exhaust fan pulls the high moisture air out of the room, resulting in a more normal air/water level.

Another way to dehumidify the air in a house is with a dehumidifier. The use of a dehumidifier becomes important in areas of the house that never seem to dry out, such as the basement; or if someone in the home has allergies to mold. Most molds are very common and are not anything to worry about, except in the case of an allergy sufferer. In this case, a dehumidifier should be used in the bedrooms of the person with allergies as well as in or around the high humidity areas of the home.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be found in a size that is right for every house, in fact for every room of the house. They are sold in a variety of stores from home improvement stores to discount chains, from drugstores to online vendors. If you are unsure if the use of a humidifier or dehumidifier is what is needed for your health issues, talk with your doctor, he or she will let you know if the use of one of these devises will alleviate your symptoms.

Linda Moore writes on a variety of subjects including home ownership, travel, personal enrichment, Humidifier Dehumidifier and comfort http://www.all-kinds-inflatable-air-mattress-bed.info/memoryfoam3inchmattresstopper/

[tags]humidifier,dehumidifier,home air comfort,furnace,home heating,home comfort,air cleaner,air mattress,[/tags]

A less expensive futon is not necessarily a low quality product. Cheap futons can be perfect for people on a budget, such as college students or recent grads. Cheap futons provide the same versatility and comfort of more expensive models but at a much lower price. There are several ways to get cheap futons. Shoppers can look for futon stores that always sell futons a discounts, they can look for seasonal sales, or they can buy used futons. All of these options can have satisfactory results and the buyer can find a long lasting comfortable futon.

Many futon dealers, both stores and online, specialize in selling high quality futons at discounts. Many of these futon stores get their products from the futon manufacturers at cheap prices and pass the savings on to the consumer. These stores make money by making less profit per sale but making more sells.

Most futon stores also have seasonal sales periodically. Stores could try to clear out older futon models to make room for new models. Many futon stores have summer sales or similar events to lure customers into buying something.

Used futons are another option. Garage sales, estate sales, and classified ads are three places where shoppers can get great deals on used futons. Many used futons are sold for practical reasons, like the owner is moving and is not able to take the futon along. Used futons can be top of the line products at a low price. Many futon stores even have a selection of used futons.

When buying a cheap futon, it is important to check the quality before making the purchase? Shoppers should be aware what the frame is made of, what the mattress is filled with, and what kind of fabric the cover is made of. Some futon frames and mattresses are cheap because they are made of low-grade materials, but many are cheap yet still high quality. It is important to research the cheap futon thoroughly before handing over any money.

Futons Info provides detailed information about futon covers, mattresses, frames, chairs, and bunk beds. Futons Info is the sister site of Platform Beds Web.

[tags]futon, futon cover, futon mattress[/tags]

Laminate kitchen countertops should last a lifetime, if you know a few tricks for maintaining and repairing them. Laminate comes in an seemingly infinite number of styles and patterns these days. It also requires practically no maintenance to keep it looking good. But like all indestructible things these days, there comes a time when the inevitable happens, and things need a little TLC.

Wax On Wax Off

One of the great things about having such a variety of patterns that laminates comes in these days is how well they hide the dirt. Assuming you want the dirt hidden. Every once in a while, giving your countertops a little extra cleaning with a soap and a brush will remove a surprising amount of hidden dirt. This is a good exercise for both your countertops and the people who use them. Now here’s something you probably never thought of doing for your countertops now that they’re squeaky clean. Try a little car wax. Yep you heard me. Car wax. The same way your car enjoys the protection of a little wax coating, so will your countertops. Not to mention a nice shiny finish. If your a little unsure of the benefits, try waxing a small section that is the least visible of all your countertops. That way you can see if you like the look after all that effort.

Bubble Bubble Boil and Iron

Every notice little bumps forming in your laminate countertops. If your like me, you probably figured the only way to fix something like that was to replace the whole countertop. Well, there is a way to fix those bumps, and it’s much cheaper then replacing the entire thing. Simply place a damp towel or cloth over the offending bumps. Next heat up a clothes iron, and place it on the cloth for ten seconds or so. This kind of softens up the glue under the laminate that is causing the bump. Next you need to place something heavy on the laminate section for at least twelve hours. You could try getting one of your kids to sit on it. A medium sized eight or nine year old should do the trick. Of course if you don’t have one of those available, then a few really heavy books should do the trick.

Just A Flesh Wound

So someone (usually named I-don’t-know) in my house has just taken a chip out of your beautiful laminate in the most visible spot of the entire countertop. Apart from the obvious aesthetic damage, this chip now has the potential to allow water in to damage the supporting wood base underneath. Forunately most home centers carry a chip filler that comes with an assortment of colors that should match your countertop. While not totally naked to the eye, it should be less noticeable, and will definitely prevent water from doing any damage.

Read more great information on your kitchen design and kitchen cabinets, visit http://foolishmumbles.com/2006/09/29/kitchen-countertops-can-last-a-lifetime/

[tags]kitchen remodeling, kitchen countertops, countertops[/tags]

Many landscaping projects require a 120 VAC circuit to power lighting and other electrical devices such as pumps for ponds.

The actual placement of a receptacle within your landscaping project needs to be thought out carefully as they are difficult to relocate if you place it wrong the first time.

Installing a receptacle outdoors means purchasing the materials that were designed for the application. Weatherproof utility boxes and outdoor receptacle covers are a necessity if you do not want the circuit to trip every time it rains. Powering the circuit through a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is mandatory for safety purposes. It is best if you can install the circuit directly to the main distribution panel powered through a GFCI breaker. If that is impracticable because of access, then the circuit can be powered from a GFCI receptacle. Note: Only one GFCI control device is required on any circuit. All receptacles and devices wired from the GFCI are protected by that one device. Multiple GFCI devices on the same circuit will cause false tripping.

Receptacles should never be placed horizontally, facing up or down, as water will penetrate the device and cause a short circuit. The proper position is vertical. The bottom of the receptacle should be a minimum of 6″ above the ground and that includes any mulch that you use as a ground dressing.

When determining the best placement for the receptacle, keep in mind that you will be doing your day-to-day gardening around it. Keep it away from lawnmower paths!

It is also wise to consider where sprinkler heads are located and if possible situate the receptacle face away from the direct impact of sprinkler spray.

Placing receptacles in area that may be inundated with shrubs is not a wise move as someday you will want to be able to plug and unplug electrical devices.

Proper planning in any landscaping project is the key to success!

For additional information on landscaping projects for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

[tags]landscaping, electrical, outdoor, weatherproof, receptacle, home improvement, home renovation, diy,[/tags]

It can sometimes be hard to determine what will go well with southwestern style and what will fit well among southwestern pieces. Yet, you can save a great deal of time if you don’t have to take many pieces of furniture or rugs home with you to see if they fit.

One useful way of deciding whether or not something will fit with southwestern pieces is to see if the object in question has some of southwestern characteristics. Object with southwestern style often use clean straight lines, bright colors, rough and textured surfaces (almost as a mark of pride), and often are made by hand from natural materials.

An example of an object that has enough of these characteristics to fit well within a southwestern motif is a simple carved wood table. The table would be even better if the light blue paint is peeling off a little. However, as cool as that curvy aluminum chair may look, it probably won’t fit well in your southwestern motif.

Another example, and one that is not often associated with southwestern design, are apple computers. Many of their present designs involve very clean and straight lines. Their minimalist appeal can fit perfectly with southwestern pieces. This is also true with many Japanese designs. Often these designs use clean straight lines, and as such would fit well. The main point of contention between these two styles is the finish often used on them. Japanese minimalist style often utilizes highly polished smooth surfaces with a rather simple color such as white or black. However, in southwestern style almost the opposite is true; southwestern surfaces are rough and the colors are bright.

Another interesting style that southwestern design overlaps with quite a bit is the design of the caucuses. This is particularly apparent in the weavings that come from the area. The weavings from these harsh mountain climates often use straight lines and unflinching colors. A deep red rug can go quite well with southwestern floors made from flagstone or brick.

On the other end of the rug design spectrum are Persian rugs. These are amazing rugs to be sure, however, their extremely detailed curvilinear (or “floral”) designs do not often fit well within southwestern motifs. Another bone of contention between the urban Persian designs and southwestern design are the materials often used. Persian Rugs often use extremely high quality materials, such as silk, which does not go well with the rough edges of southwestern design.

There are many interior design styles that go agree with southwestern design quite well. Minimalist Japanese design and works of art, such as rugs, from the rural caucuses are some good examples of “southwestern friendly styles”. Knowing where and why these styles agree can save you a great deal of time when picking out items for your house or business.

John Geer runs the online rug store Hazaad.com at http://www.hazaad.com/ He is also a contributor to Hazaad.com’s blog (http://blog.hazaad.com/) and helps run Hazaad West, which specializes in southwestern rug designs, at http://stores.ebay.com/Hazaad-com-West

[tags]Southwest,southwestern,design,decorateing,motif,decor,interior design,rugs,clean lines,color[/tags]

Futon is Japanese traditional furniture, basically a mattress that makes up a bed which is still commonly used today. Futons first appeared as weed-made rags in ancient Japan. A traditional futon set usually costs under 10,000 yen (around$83) sold at specialty stores called futon-Ya in Japan and other department stores.

A traditional Japanese futon set generally consists of a mattress called a shikibuton wrapped in Shikifu or sheets, a comforter called Kakebuton covered with a kakebuton cover, blanket called m

Tomatoes have always been my favorite garden vegetable to grow and to eat. I have had success with the other standard garden vegetables, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, cauliflower etc. but tomatoes became my specialty over the years.

I start my seeds indoors approximately 5-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. I use a commercially available starting flat that will hold 72 seedlings. I prefer plant the Tomato Park’s Whopper