What You Should Know When Shopping For Swivel Bar Stools
Swivel bar stools are not only convenient and functional, but they can be stylish additions to any home. When decorating your house with stools, you’ll want to consider your home decor and choose a set that matches your overall theme. Swivel bar stools can be purchased in wrought iron, wood, steel and many other materials. You can also find them with or without upholstery as well as other embellishments.
When you consider bar stools for your home, think of them as decorative pieces as well as something fun. Children and adults alike really appreciate the special features in swivel stools that give them their “fun” and functional characteristics. Not only can you spin around to take in the whole room, make it easy to talk to anyone, many stools are also easily adjustable, for convenience and comfort.
If you’re looking for counter or bar stools to match the breakfast bar in your kitchen or a pub table or bar in your den or game room then swivel bar stools are well worth considering. One of the many benefits you will get from these is that you don’t need to drag them around every time you want to change positions of the stool. Since they can rotate around 360 degrees, it’s easy to position them to a comfortable setting, and swivel barstools are perfect for socializing.
When selecting bar stools, you should keep a few things in mind. First off, you want to know which height you need for your particular counter or table. Bar stools come in seat heights ranging from 17″ to 31″ and you must select a stool where the seat will be comfortable in relation to the counter. Too high and you will be bending down to reach the table, too low and you will feel like a little kid at the “grownups” table during holiday dinner!
In order to get the best fitting stools, you’ll need to have selected your pub table or counter top ahead of time. Measure from the floor to the bottom of the counter or table then buy stools that allow 10 - 13 inches between the stool seat and the bottom of the counter. So if your counter is 41″ from the floor, you will want a stool whose seat height is about 31″ tall.
The other thing to consider is how many stools you need. Often times when buying bar stools, you want a set to sit around a bar or kitchen breakfast counter but you don’t want to overcrowd the area with too many of them. The rule of thumb here is to allow 26 to 20 inches between the centers of each of the bar stool seats.
Relaxing swivel bar stools can be an enjoyable way to entertain guests, and with the selection of styles available, you’re certain to find great barstools that will coordinate perfectly with your style of home decor.
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.barstooldecor.comwhere you can learn more about buying bar stools for your home and find out about different selections in swivel bar stools.
Reed Diffuser Fragrances For Summer - Best 5 Scents
Many people may immediately think of sweet, fruity scents like cotton candy, strawberry, and peach as summer-type scents. I think that too much of that can make you feel sticky! Here are my personal recommendations for mature, refreshing scents to use in your home during June to August.
“The Beach” - Coconut & Lemongrass.
Coconut and lemongrass together create a tropical beach scent without being too sweet or smelling like suntan lotion. The sharp and unusual lemongrass makes an excellent foil to the balmy coconut. This combination suggests a nature full of youth and energy, and free of cares. One sniff will make you feel like “school’s out for summer,” even if you still have to slave away in the office. You will be inspired to get out in the warm sunshine with this classic, aromatic combination, even if it’s just to responsibly do errands… but don’t forget your sunscreen!
“The Spa” - Clean Mint.
Cool and upscale, mint is a popular fragrance choice for day spa products. It also makes a refreshing scent for your home, especially if you don’t have central air conditioning. Although it may seem like a simple kitchen herb (or remind you of toothpaste), the gentle scent of mint diffusing through the air will make you swear that it’s a few degrees cooler. Trust me, it will not remind you of mouthwash; instead, you will feel like you’re having mint juleps on the porch or getting a mud wrap at a Swiss spa.
“Summer Canopy” - Leaf and Soil.
Imagine sitting under a tree that shields you from the sun with large green leaves. The scent of growing things surrounds you: crushed stems, clean damp soil, and fragrant branches. Recreate this experience - even if you’re stuck behind a desk all day - by filling your reed diffuser with leaves and soil type scents. Though it may sound unusual, and not at all like what you’re used to in a home fragrance, the subtle aroma of rich soil and green sap can create a calm, happy mood all day long.
“Energy Lift” - Pink Grapefruit.
If you feel lethargic in the warmer months, you can give yourself a caffeine-free energy lift. Pink grapefruit is the perfect fragrance to keep you awake, a vibrant balance of sweet and tart. In aromatherapy, citrus is thought to be energizing, so refresh your reed diffuser with this sharp citrus scent, and wake up your brain. Pink grapefruit comes on strong, so you may want to dilute this mouth-watering scent more than usual, or fill your reed diffuser with a minimal amount.
“Romantic Kitchen” - Lime and Rosemary.
The crisp combination of lime and this popular herb is a clean, romantic kitchen scent. Strong enough to banish cooking odors that tend to linger in warm, heavy air, lime and rosemary is a totally unisex combination suitable for male or female master chefs. Not only that, it is excellent made with either fragrance oils, or pure lime and rosemary essential oils. A tall apothecary bottle tucked away in the corner of your kitchen will keep it smelling clean and fresh, even after you make your special garlic marinara!
If you’re feeling creative, you can also mix any of these fragrances together for a unique blend. To test whether they will go together, hold two scents next to each other and take a sniff. If you want less of one, just hold it farther away. I do this whenever I create a new blend, and it’s never failed me yet.
Katherine Durkes has written 3 ebooks on how to make bath & body, perfume, and home fragrance products. She runs a website with books, articles, and downloads that teach scented product making, including reed diffuser recipes. Visit http://www.excellentlivingguide.com for more.
Add A Touch Of Class To Your Kitchen With An Alessi Tea Kettle
If you know your kitchenware and dining utensils, then you are probably familiar with the name Alessi. An Italian family, the first Alessi was called Giovanni of Luzzogno, who was among those who went to Germany in order to learn the trade of pewter-making. One of his descendants was also called Giovanni and he became the founder of what is now literally a household name - Alessi.
Known for their quality and well-done work, many products sold under the Alessi name won acclaim for their workmanship and perfect finish. They are quite simply beautiful pieces of metallurgical work as though molded from poetic design.
While the Alessi company manufacturers a range of products, among their specialties, under the Alessi brand are kitchenware and dining utensils, such as kitchen knives, biscuit boxes, containers, silver objects, pots and pans, and of course, Alessi tea kettles.
Mami Alessi Tea Kettle
Designed by Stefano Giovannoni, the Mami Alessi tea kettle is an oval casserole with lid and plain, brushed aluminum finish. The kettle represents hard work, both from a technical and production standpoint. Its 14-liter oval body requires complex and expensive moulds, and yet its sinuous shape harkens back to the feminine, maternal code present in all Alessi Tea Kettle of the Mami project.
9093 Alessi Tea Kettle
The Alessi tea kettles are known as products made by Italians. As such, the misconception is that they are tea kettles made by Italians for Italians. The Alessi company sought to change that in the 80s and 90s by introducing the 9093 Alessi Tea Kettle. As the first product by an American designer included in the catalogue of Alessi tea kettles, the 9093 kettle makes its mark with its playful design style. In fact, this funky design of the 9093 paved the way for more fun and playful designs in tea kettles in the eighties, making it one of the most recognizable icons of the Eighties.
Pito Alessi Tea Kettle
Pito means whistle. Thus, the Pito Alessi Tea Kettle is actually a whistling kettle but its bizarre design separates it from all other whistling tea kettles out there. The Pito is done in steel mirror polished with handle and cap. The whistle is made with mahogany wood for more melodic whistling sound once the water starts to boil.
Mama-O Alessi Tea Kettle
Another Alessi tea kettle under the Mami project, the Mama-O kettle has the characteristic oval design of all Mami works and the unique and inspired design of all Alessi products. Produced in 1992, the Mama-O is a kettle in steel mirror polished with handle, caps and melodic whistle.
There are plenty more tea kettles produced under the Alessi brand name. With their unique and inspired designs that highlight the sinuous beauty of metal as well as showcase the metallurgical skills that are in the Alessi blood, the Alessi tea kettles are the embodiment of the fusion of aesthetic design and beautiful form.
T J Madigan has been established in online business since 1998 and is director of a number of successful online projects one of which is http://www.online-auction.com.au your best FREE online auction website.
Some of the Top Water Purifiers You can Buy
“Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.” Albert Szent-Gyorgyi quotes (Hungarian Biochemist, 1937 Nobel Prize for Medicine, 1893-1986).
There is every possibility that water can be infected by the bacteria, virus, cysts and some other injurious particles. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) has issued one research paper for the public help. There it states that water should be purified at any costs.
There are so many water purifiers available in the market. Some are good as per the specifications while some are economical.
Several popular water purifiers are listed as follows.
Katadyn Exstream XR Purifier Bottle Costing about $49.95, Katadyn Exstream XR Purifier Bottle is one of the best water purifiers available in the market. It enjoys the following features:
- Over 99% of waterborne bacteria and waterborne viruses are being killed by this water purifier.
- It is a 21-ounce-self-contained purifier bottle.
- It has replaceable cartridges that can deliver 100 refills (100 liters) pr cartridge.
- This water purifier has the Virustat Technology in combination with the micro filtration and carbon purification processes. The micro filtration can totally wipe out the germs that are yet to be disinfected by similar other water purification devices.
- XR purifier has the pre filtering quality that removes sediments and elements that are responsible for bad odor and taste.
MSR MIOX Water Purifier
This is another water purifier which is just superb in killing the micro bacterial elements easily. Its marketable price is set at $129.95.
- It is easy to operate. Just add water in it and shake slightly and press a button and the reliable purification starts after that.
- Filtering the iodine is its prime motto. This process of purification does not involve any kind of health risk or bad iodine taste.
- This purification is suitable when a large volume of water needs to be purified. It is perfect for the extended trips.
- It is very much convenient to purify water by this purifier, since it can fit easily in your pocket. You can take it anywhere you like.
Aquasana Water Purifier
Voted by the consumer digest magazine as the best water purifier of the year, Aquasana is designed to produce naturally healthy and tasty water at an affordable price ($92.36). Once you use Aquasana, you have become the customer for life. It is the ultimate in convenience and it easily surpasses the bottled water and other water purification systems. Some infectious materials that are wiped out are chlorine, bad taste and odors, lead, VOCs, Crypto, Giardia and MTBE. It comes with a lifetime warranty and it has the capacity of producing 500-600 gallons of fresh water.
Jason Uvios writes about on Some of the Top Water Purifiers You can Buy to visit :- http://www.waterpurifierfacts.info, http://www.waterpurifiertips.info and http://www.waterpurifierguide.info
Persian Rugs Don’t Always Come From Persia
The finest rugs are generally the ones which are hand woven and knitted and are superior in quality and fineness to the machine made ones. The fineness of these hand-woven rugs depends on the number of knots. The pattern and designs of the hand made rugs differ based on the regions they are made in. Different cities, villages and tribes have their own designs or patterns which are used as a trademark of their work. The imitated and plagiarized work of the trademarked designer rugs often lack in quality and finer details when compared to the originals.
An expert in the field of rug scrutiny can easily ascertain the origin of the rug by examining its design. Persian rugs differ significantly on the basis of the regional style of their weaving. In Iran there are two types of rug classifications - the ones made by nomads or rural inhabitants are called the tribal rugs whereas the ones made in the cities by experts are termed as city rugs. Although the city rugs are woven by trained experts the tribal rugs often come in astonishing colors due to the type of wool and natural vegetable dyes (superior to chemical or chrome dyes used in cities) used as the constituent materials. Not always do the rugs hail from the cities by which they are identified. For instance, the finest rugs woven in Mashad, the holy city is known as Moods (known for excellence in fineness of weaving) although it isn’t knitted in the nearby town of Mood.
Persian rugs are distinguished by their quality and designs. The quality comes from the superior wool or silk and the dyes used - natural or synthetic. The other most crucial matter for consideration is the fineness in the knotting of the rug. The finer rugs are known to have a higher rating of knot count, that is, a high number of knots per inch of the rug.
The design or the pattern used in the rug is checked for its accuracy and symmetry throughout the piece. The types of designs used in the rugs vary according to the region where it is made. Though the quality depends on the accuracy of the knitting, usually there are some imperfections found in the rugs which are deliberately done by the maker due to their regional and religious beliefs. In fact a fine Persian rug is known to contain some imperfection and this, in fact, gives them their authenticity. Owing to the belief that there can only be one perfectionist in this world - God, a well-known saying goes about Persian rugs: “A Persian Rug is Perfectly Imperfect and Precisely Imprecise”.
Persian rugs come in all possible sizes to cater to the needs of all sections of buyers.
In Iran there are three popular sizes - seven by ten, eight by twelve and ten by thirteen feet. All these sizes are known by standard names in the country. Although smaller city markets have only a standard size, larger centers boast a range of sizes varying from smaller two by three foot mats to the size of the carpet area of a city block. From hallway and corridor runners measuring about five to thirty feet long, well established carpet manufacturers also offer perfectly round and oval rugs.
For more information on rugs, visit:
http://www.rugmanual.com
Shelves Can Help You Organize Your Home And Your Life
A closet is an indispensable part of every household. Modern homes demand state-of-the-art closets, which are in sync with the status of the owner. With the increase in public awareness over closet styling, the closet shelving business has boomed manifold times over the last decade. As it rapidly grows, there is a continually widening range of products. Modern closet shelving is designed to accommodate more closet storage according to the buyer’s needs. The designing is such as to elegantly maximize the storage capacity making life much easier than before.
Good designing of closet shelving results in the maximum use of every space in the home. Closets come in various shapes and sizes suiting the requirements of individuals. Although there are a variety of products on the market, the closet shelving business is classified to a few basic types like single shelf-and-pole, double pole and sweater shelves/shoe shelves.
The single shelf-and-pole closets are manufactured such as to include a single shelf-and-pole installation in every piece. This designing results in a comfortable storage of long coats and dresses and often a customized section for children’s clothes. A single shelf-and-pole about 66″ is provided to hang the dresses and coats avoiding them dragging on the floor. The distance from the bottom of the shelf or floor to the top is measured and then a pole is installed around 64″ from the bottom. This height can be customized to accommodate the clothing of exceptionally tall people.
The double pole style of closets is designed to provide just the required height and spacing for general sized clothes. It has an installation of separate double poles of 42″ which makes the top shelf 84″ from the floor. This design is made keeping in mind the wardrobe of today’s generation which generally comprises of pants and shirts which could easily be accommodated in the closet by folding and then hanging on a hanger. This practice requires only half the hanging height of about 34″, as compared to the long dress hanging which covers the entire space from the bottom of the shelf to the top. On the other hand, shirts usually require 40″ from the bottom of the shelf. The double shelf-and-pole presence in the closet doubles the storage space and makes for an easier installation of shelves.
The top shelf of the closet should cover its entire breadth stretching around all three walls in a U-shaped closet. This design of 84″ height of the top shelf determines the second or top shelf over a single shelf-and-pole. A 12″ space between the top shelf and the ceiling is provided for shoeboxes, hatboxes and other items.
The sweater shelves are provided 16″ above the floor. The consecutive shelves are spaced out at 12″ allowing room for tall boots on the floor. The even spacing of the shelves is achieved by installing the top shelf at 84″ from the floor. The single shelf-and-pole creates a problem of horizontal alignment with other shelves due to its height of 68″ from the floor. A 16″ space between the single shelf-and-pole and the top shelf is divided by an additional shelf to create spacing for a few pairs of shoes. The shoe shelves are designed specifically to accommodate all types of shoes from high-tops and pumps.
For more information on shelving units, visit:
http://www.shelvingzone.com
Artificial Flower Arrangements As Part of Your Home Decor
Flowers and plants add an interesting element to home decor and offer a break from the linear shapes of traditional furniture. Not everyone is comfortable with growing plants, or has the time to spend caring for them, but artificial flowers offer a great alternative. They consistently look great and need very little care to stay that way; as a result they are also incredibly versatile.
There is one thing to keep in mind when decorating your home with artificial flowers… if you’re using a see-through glass container you may need to add something to the vase to make your flowers look grounded and to keep your arrangement in place. Real flowers are arranged in vases filled with water, the water not only keeps the flowers alive but it also helps to keep the flowers from becoming disarrayed. For artificial flowers, try adding decorative stones, split peas, lentils, or even crumpled tissue paper to your vase. All of these items come in a variety of colours to complement your arrangement.
Need some ideas?
Artificial flower arrangements are a great way to use that vase or urn that has been sitting empty because you just didn’t know what else to do with it. For a pottery vase or urn that is best placed on the floor, try using some artificial grasses or reeds mixed with some tall flowers. The vase doesn’t have to be packed full of flowers, just enough to complement the area around the arrangement. An unused umbrella stand is also a great container for artificial flowers.
For a table centerpiece, use a short vase and fill it with small to medium size flowers of complementing colors, making sure to keep the arrangement low enough that people seated at the table will be able to see over it. During the spring use tulips and daffodils, or use roses any time of the year for a timeless look.
For a side table arrangement, try using slightly taller and larger flowers. Silk poppies are great in a mixture of red and orange flowers with the vase one third filled with split peas.
Artificial flowers are widely available and can be found in most craft stores as well as in home renovation stores and even in some grocery stores, and are usually quite reasonable priced. Mix and match different types of flowers and change your arrangements as often as you want. Then sit back and enjoy!
Visit us for more home decorating tips, including home interior candle ideas, and feng shui tips for the home @ http://www.decoratefor.com
Don’t Ruin Your Carpet By Cleaning It Yourself!
A carpet is an essential part of a good-looking household. It indeed adds to the beauty of the house but requires a scheduled, careful and intense cleaning procedure. The cleaning procedure of a carpet improves or degrades its life expectancy significantly. A thoughtless cleaning of the carpet can result in detergent remains within the fibers which deteriorates the carpet quality in the long run. Moreover the residual detergent particles have a magnetic effect on the floating dirt particles and thus lead to dirt deposition on the carpet surface at double the rate.
The solution to the problem of carpet cleaning is to involve professional personnel who execute the task well. The National Carpet Cleaners’ Association (NCCA) is an institution which supplies trained professionals well-versed in the art of cleaning the carpet in the best possible manner. The usage of appropriate detergents and effective rinsing of the carpet is done by the professionals to ensure that no residue is collected on the fiber particles of the carpet, which guarantee in turn that more dirt is not collected later on.
Before joining the NCCA all the prospective applicants are required to take a written exam which is based on the basic training imparted on carpet and upholstery cleaning in the institution. The course is designed to accommodate both the fresher and experienced professionals of the industry. The training furnishes a complete guideline on the wide spectrum of carpet and soft furnishing cleaning techniques and related equipment. Many equipment manufacturer employees also join the training course to enhance their skills and update their knowledge on the latest equipment and procedures in the industry. A comprehensive theoretical and practical training on spot and stain removal on carpet and upholstery craft is imbibed during the course to make the trainee a pro in the field.
Usually held in Leicestershire for over two full days, the training is carried out by the two directors of NCCA. These directors are in-trade carpet cleaners and are well equipped with practical knowledge due to their being in constant touch with the customers and their problems. The trainees benefit from their extensive knowledge. Every trainee is required to pass a multiple choice test at the end of the course, after which he is awarded an NCCA certificate and an exclusive Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Manual.
The Advanced Spot and Stain Removal Training is a one-day course which imparts a complete theoretical knowledge on the subject about identifying the stain and possible outcomes of cleaning procedures. Only after the complete assessment of the trainee’s level of understanding is he advised to do a practical test. An in-depth knowledge of carpet ingredients like fabric, fiber, dyes and finishing agents is a must. Since carpet cleaning jobs require a lot of patience and expertise in the field, the training module is designed to make the trainee fully capable of handling them. Although this training module does not require an examination, an attendance certification, course manual and three spotting tools, to be used during that day and then taken home, are awarded to the trainees.
For More information on carpet cleaning, visit:
http://www.carpetcleaningtraining.com
How to Create a Unique Style Using Moroccan Home Decor
What we love so much about commodities made in Morocco is that they mix a little bit of a lot of countries all in one beautiful and distinctive motif. Using influences from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Orient, Moroccan furniture is an eclectic collection of intricate designs and vivid color. You owe it to yourself and your home to explore the inspiring realm of Moroccan home decor.
Whether you have hardwood floors in the living room or carpeted bedrooms, no home is complete without a rich, elegant Moroccan rug. Rugs of this nature were first created as a simple means to protect oneself from the cold. As time went by, these rugs began to become more elaborate and comfortable. Soon, rugs were symbols of wealth and beauty, weaved exclusively for wealthy kings and noblemen. These rugs are desirable today for many reasons. They are made from 100% pure wool, so they are warm and inviting. They are completely handmade by professional artisans and take two complete months to weave. Moroccan rugs have become collector’s items. They are a popular tradition spanning over 100 years.
Instead of sitting on couches, many use leather bags or poof “chairs”. These soft and supple chairs lie casually on the floor to create an atmosphere of intimate seating. Typically made from goatskin, poofs are usually found in bright colors, such as yellow, blue and red; and have interesting designs woven into them. Also used as ottomans, tables and footstools, poofs are a really good representation of Moroccan home decor.
If you are looking to add even more ethnic flair to your home decor, there are many accessories that will help create the look you want. If you simply want to enjoy a subtle expression, creating conversation pieces throughout your home, here are some ideas to help you achieve the look.
Moroccan Tiles
Modern artists are still using old techniques to create these eye-catching metal tiles. Typically used in the kitchen and bathroom, these colorful tiles add more authenticity to this style of home decor.
Hookahs
Great for parties or just decoration, hookahs are usually made from glass and/or brass. They have a wide range of sizes from free standing to table top versions.
Mirrors
Anywhere you hang a Moroccan mirror, your guests’ eyes will be drawn to it. Handmade from premium metals, your home will not properly reflect Moroccan home decor without a hand-painted mirror.
Lamps are another great way to bring this specific style and feel to your home. Whether made from metal or leather, Moroccan lamps are absolutely breathtaking. Lamps made by hand are the ultimate way to add warmth and beauty to any room in your home. These lamps should have a rustic look, yet use bright colors to light up the room. Found in different sizes and shapes, it is not unusual to see purple, red, and even multicolored Moroccan lamps.
If you want people to realize your original Moroccan home decor immediately, big pieces of furniture will do the trick. This style of furniture uses only the best timber, like cedar and lemon. The wood is carved by woodcarving masters and the detail is exquisite. Therefore, whether you decide to place a large armoire in your bedroom, or a huge buffet in the dining room, you won’t be disappointed in the quality and workmanship that went into your furniture.
When you learn about Moroccan home decor, you can finally turn your ordinary home into an oasis. Whether you are looking to recreate your entire home into a Moroccan palace, or add subtle touches here and there, you will certainly enjoy the quest to find the best pieces for your home.
Andy West is a freelance writer for Nine Seas Decor. Nine Seas Decor is quickly becoming one of the largest importers of Moroccan Home Decor into the US market. For more information, please visit http://www.nineseasdecor.com .
Unique Wind Chimes Can Personalize Your Garden
When looking to purchase a wind chime and you are after something a little more unique then why not consider buying one that is personalized.
In fact a unique wind chime is the ideal gift for any occasion, not only will you be giving some a memorable gift, but it will something that can withstand the weathers of life. Any wind chime that is been made by a quality craftsman will not only enhance the surroundings it is in, but will leaving a lasting impression on the person who it was presented to and then why not make them more memorable by having them personalized.
Not only is a personalized wind chime a unique wind chime but it is also a great way of expressing how you care for that person in a way which will continuously bring warmth to their heart.
Why not consider purchasing a unique wind chime for your wife or mother to show how much they appreciated and arrange for it to have a personalized message put on it such as “Thank you for all you do. With love from “. or you could even arrange to have something else put on it all depends on the amount of space available where the message will be placed.
Finding it more and more difficult each Valentine’s Day to find a gift that will show the person you truly love how much they mean to you then why not consider getting a personalized wind chime with such messages as “Forever Yours” or “To my one and only” engraved upon them. But no matter what message it is you decide upon as soon as they hear the sound they will reminded of what happy times you are having together as well as reminding them of how much you love and care for them.
Stuck for a gift to present to the bride and groom on their wedding day, what could be more thoughtful than a personalized wind chime “Wishing them love and happiness for the future” with their names and date of their union on it. You know throughout the coming years not only will they be reminded of their special day but of your heartfelt wishes as soon as they hear it melodic sound.
As you can see there are many reasons why a unique and personalized set of wind chimes can be the ultimate gift to anyone and not just as an ornament.
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.wonderful-wind-chimes.com where you can learn more about how to enjoy wind chimes.
