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Friday, April 28, 2017

Master bedroom makeover ideas

The headboard is where all the drama in the master bedroom can center. If you already have a headboard you can change the one you have by painting it if it is wood. You can also upholster it with a small amount of fabric and batting. If you don’t already have a headboard it is easy to create one. A piece of plywood can be upholstered for a dramatic look. Another option is to us one or several pieces of art that are arranged behind the bed to create the look of a headboard.

Flooring

These days, there are two schools of thoughts. Many people are into hardwoods in all the rooms. Other prefer the warmth of carpet in the master bedroom. There is no wrong choice. Both of them have positives and negatives, it really is a matter of taste. With hardwood floors, adding a rug for warmth offers many decorating options and the rugs are easier to change than wall to wall carpet.

Bedding

Bedding should be luxurious. That doesn’t mean it has to be silk or satin. It needs to make you want to wrap yourself in it and luxuriate in the bed. It should call you to some and rest on your bed. If it is scratchy or uncomfortable, it isn’t doing its job. Open any sheet packages and feel the texture of the sheets.  

This is not the place to skimp. You can find luxury at reasonable prices. Be practical as well; look for materials that are machine washable. Sheets that need to be dry-cleaned will be a pain in the neck. Try to find a bedspread or comforter that is also machine washable; it just makes life much easier. Save the dry clean only fabrics for pillows that will only be thrown on the bed for looks.

Window treatments

At the end of the day, the bedroom is where you sleep. You want to be sure that you have window coverings that completely block the light. No matter how beautiful they are, if the drapes don’t allow you to sleep, they are wrong. Light blocking shades can be simple and not detract from the overall design you choose.

Accessories

One thing that should not be in the bedroom is the TV. If you must have a TV in the bedroom, try to have it in an inconspicuous place where it is not the focus of the entire room. When it comes to accessories, choose something soothing. Lightly scented candles and pictures that you love are good choices. If you enjoy reading in bed, make sure that you have the proper lighting to allow you to do that in comfort.

A chair to sit on to dress or to read is always a nice choice in the master bedroom. An upholstered chair is especially nice. Placing a small bowl on the nightstand is a nice touch especially if you happen to like to take off your rings and watch while you sleep. This way there is no problem finding them in the morning.

Adding a long mirror to your bedroom is practical and appreciated. It is always good to do a full body check before beginning the day.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui is about the energy in your bedroom. Keep the clutter out of the bedroom for the best energy and allow enough space around the bed. Fresh flowers in the bedroom are also a good feng shui choice. Keep a good balance between the feminine and the masculine designs.

When it comes to doing a makeover in the master bedroom, there are many things to consider. Find a color that is relaxing, a design full of energy and a combination that makes it all work together. Make your master bedroom fit your personality.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Tips for cleaning white shoes

White shoes can be a real challenge to keep clean. A wide variety of material is used to make shoes.  Some materials are difficult to maintain. They require specific things be done often on a very regular basis in order to keep them looking their best and to make sure that they last.

When wearing dirty white shoes is not an option, you will need to read what the manufacturer recommends carefully. Having said that, with a little thought and care, you can keep them as white and bright as they were when you bought them.

Leather

White leather shoes have historically been the choice for nurses and nursing students. To clean a white leather shoe the best method is to remove any scuff makes with a damp cloth. Paper towels can also be used in a pinch. Using just plain water or a little dish liquid added to some water, rub the sole and the top of the shoe.  If the mark is persistent, apply a small amount of powder kitchen cleanser to your rag and scrub the spot. If the spot is still visible use white shoe polish to make it look as good as new.

Canvas

White tennis sneakers are a must in any wardrobe but it seems they are always getting dirty. One of the easiest ways to remove a stain quickly from a canvas shoe is with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. These sponges are saturated with cleaner and all you need to do is to wet them and then rub the dirty spot. It should be gone in no time at all. If your sneakers or running shoes are inexpensive, you can try throwing them in the washing machine but air dry them to avoid having them lose their shape.

Man-made material

Man-made materials are durable and able to take more vigorous cleaning methods. Any all-purpose cleaner will do, placed in a sink of hot water. Use a small brush to scrub and small stains. Always wipe off any excess dirt before placing the shoes or sandals in the water. If the insoles are removable, take them out and clean them separately. Always consider the construction of your shoes before starting to clean them. If they are embellished or fragile, cleaning must be very gentle.

Non-washable material

If you purchase a pair of white shoes that are not washable then before you ever wear them you need to treat them with Scotchguard or something similar to make sure that you will be able to wipe them off with a damp cloth when the inevitable scuff or smudge happens. The treatment will make the shoe stain resistant.

There was a time when no one would have considered wearing white shoes before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. These days you can wear white shoes, especially white tennis shoes any time of year. Whether you wear white shoes for your job or just for the sheer enjoyment of it, you will want to keep them looking their best. With these tips, you should be able to do just that.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Green window cleaning tips

Many people are opting to clean green. While everyone needs to clean, there is no need to impact the environment to do so. Windows are one cleaning job that needs to be done on a regular basis. There is nothing that brightens a room up more than having clean windows. If you are trying to be green, you don’t want to use a lot of paper towels and store bought window cleaner to make those windows shine. Don’t worry, it is very easy to be green when it comes to washing your windows.

• Dust

Before you start to wash your windows, you need to dust the glass, the windowsills, and the frames. You can do it with a rag or your vacuum cleaner. Don’t skip this step to get the best results. If you don’t remove the dust before you start to wash the windows, you will end up removing it with the washing cloth which just spreads it around.

• Assemble your tools

Get out your tools. You will need a bucket, a rag or a sponge , a microfiber cloth or a stack of newspaper. You will also need warm water and white vinegar. You can use a squeegee if you have one as well and if the size of your windows makes it practical.

• Make the green window washing solution

Depending on your preference, you can use a bucket or a spray bottle. In a spray bottle combine 2 cups water, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon dish liquid. If you are worried about getting it in the bottle use a funnel. If you are using a bucket, add 2 quarts of warm water, 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 teaspoons of dish liquid.

• Clean

Start from the highest point in the window and apply the solution to the window. Using a sponge or a rag make circles on the window and reach into all the corners. If the windows are very dirty you will need to do this for a while. Take some of the newspaper or the microfiber cloth and start by wiping one corner. When it is dry look at it, does it gleam? If not add more solution and re-clean the window. If it is shiny keep drying off the rest of the window.

If your windows are large enough, you can dry them with a squeegee.

• Give it the sunlight test

You are not done until you have seen the sun shining through your windows. There should be no streaks. If there are streaks you need to do another round of cleaning and drying and move in a more even pattern.

The next step is to go on to the other side of the window and repeat the process.

You can set aside one day, twice a year to do all the windows in your house or you can just do one room at a time whenever you have the time. Clean windows make your whole room look and smell cleaner and are an easy way to get the spring or fall cleaning started.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Old garden roses for your garden

Old garden roses have been making gardens beautiful for hundreds of years. They are fragrant and come in a wide variety of styles and colors. They have had a resurgence in popularity in recent years after having fallen from favor with the advent of the modern rose. Their beauty has made them a popular choice with gardeners everywhere. Selecting the perfect old rose for your garden guarantees you will have a garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Old garden roses are easy to grow, disease-resistant and more adaptable to the conditions of your garden. They are hearty and many can grow anywhere in the United States.

Before you can select your old garden roses, you must have chosen the spot where you are going to create your garden. There are several types of old garden roses, some are climbers, some are shrubs and others are bushes. All of these will have different requirements. Once you have defined your space you can decide which of the roses will work best within that space.

Damask

If you want to start with an easy to grow old garden shrub rose that will give you a profusion of pink blossoms again and again then the Marchesa Boccella is a good choice. This rose may also be found under the name Jacques Cartier. It was developed in the mid-19th century and is the perfect rose to grace your garden. It will grow to between 3 and 5 feet and is incredibly fragrant. The roses grow in threes and will measure about 3 to 3.5 inches across and have as many as 70 petals. Marchesa Boccella is disease resistant, can grow in partial shade and is hearty enough to survive up to zone 4 in the United States. This rose is a great choice for a novice.

Bourbon

If you are looking for a wonderful red rose, the Bourbon Rosa Maggie is a great choice. This is a shrub rose that can also be used as a climber since it will grow as large as 6 feet across and 6 feet tall. The color is a mauve-tinted red and it is a fragrant rose. If you are looking for a rose that birds and butterflies will flock to, this is your rose. The flower themselves are gorgeous, double blossoms that will bloom twice a year in the spring and in the fall. The Rosa Maggie is a great addition to any rose garden. They are not hearty enough for anything above zone seven in the United States.

Alba

If you want to grow a rose that is a part of history then the Alba Maxima is perfect for you. This rose has been around since at least the 1500's since it has made an appearance in many paintings by the Italian Renaissance painters. This rose will need a lot of space. It prefers not to be pruned and it will grow to as much as ten feet tall. It has fragrant white blossoms with a touch of pink on the petals, it is not only historic it is lovely. The blossoms tend to grow in clusters and if left alone this will be a magnificent addition to your garden.

Your garden is ready to be filled with fragrant, historic and easy to grow old garden roses. You can find many nurseries online that can provide you with the roses that you want for your special garden.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Cleaning your down coat

When the weather outside is frightful, a down coat is quite delightful. Light, warm and fashionable, down is a popular choice for men and women of all ages when the winter winds are frigid. It can be somewhat frightening to think about cleaning a down coat, however. Relax, there is no real mystery to cleaning a down coat; it can be handled much as you would any fine quality coat.


Read the tag


Before you decide to throw your down coat in your home washing machine, read the care tag. You will find it sewn into the lining of the coat somewhere. It can be at the neck or it can be along the side seams. It will tell you exactly what is recommended for the particular coat that you own. Some coats can be safely laundered at home; others need to be dry cleaned. If you are intimidated by the thought of doing it yourself, by all means, put it in the hands of the professionals. Especially if you have paid a lot of money for your coat, you don’t want to risk ruining it.

Whether you are sending your coat to the dry cleaner or laundering it at home, check the coat for stain and damage. You want to let the dry cleaner know so they can properly treat the stains and do any repairs that are necessary. With a down coat, seams that are torn can cause a loss of the down which may affect the life of your coat.

You can also use one of the home dry cleaning kits if you feel confident about using it.


Launder at home


If you prefer to give it a go yourself, it is important that you have a washing machine without a center agitator. These can cause damage to the coat. Going to the laundromat is the preferred option if your washer has a center agitator.

Empty the pockets of your coat, wipe off any dirt or debris that may be clinging to it and place it into the washer. Cover the coat with warm water and add gentle cleaning detergent. If you can find down-cleaner, it is preferred; but detergent for hand-washing will work. Use the gentle cycle on your machine, and if the jacket still seems water filled, gently squeeze out the excess water before placing the coat in the dryer.

You may want to place the coat between dry towels to soak up any excess water as well. Press on the towels until they absorb most of the water. Place the coat into the dryer and add a few clean tennis balls or a couple of pairs of tennis shoes. These help the down to redistribute evenly throughout the coat. Use a low temperature and check on your coat every 15 minutes or so. It is not a fast process to dry a down coat, but it is worth the extra effort.

A down coat is a great addition to any wardrobe; with proper care, it will give great warmth for many years to come. Just be sure to follow the directions that are appropriate for your particular coat.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Choosing a sleep away camp for your child

Choosing a sleep away camp for your child can be as traumatic for the parents as it is for the child. The thought of separation for both parties can be very emotional. When it comes time to make the choice, it is important that as parents, you put your emotions aside and concentrate on the really important things that need to be considered when you are choosing a sleep away camp.

First and foremost, you need to know what your expectations for the camp are as well as what your child’s expectations are. You can’t choose a camp because it is the one you once stayed at or even because you know other children who have enjoyed a particular camp.

Your child is an individual and they may not enjoy the same things you enjoyed as a child or even what a friend enjoyed in a camp. Be open and listen to what your child is saying to you about what they want from their stay at camp.

Deciding which camp can provide the optimum experience for your child is a complex decision. There are many factors to consider. Most camps are coed, is this going to work for your child or children? Should you consider a boys or girls only camp? If you have more than one child and they are of different sexes, will they want to be at the same camp or would they prefer to have brother/sister camps which are separate but will share some activities?

The most important consideration is whether or not your child is ready for sleep away camp. Some children are ready at a very young age and others are never ready. Have a frank discussion with your child about their feelings. This will help you to decide if you want a week-long camp or longer or maybe this year, day camp is best.

The cost is a consideration. Before visiting any camp, check the information that you have to decide if you can afford that camp. There is no point in considering a camp that is way beyond your means.

Once you have talked about what your child hopes to get from a summer sleep away camp, you can start narrowing down your choices. You want to consider the size of the camp, some children will thrive in a large camp and others would be intimidated. If your child is shy or may need special attention, a smaller camp is probably a better choice.

The location is also important. You will want to tour the camp and speak to the director before you decide which camp to choose. It will also be easier to drop off, pick up and visit your child if there are family programs.

Take a good look at all the programs that are offered, the facilities to handle emergencies and illness, the bathroom and sleeping facilities and of course the dining. If your child is a picky eater, this is an important consideration. Always ask what the ratio is between counselors and campers. And most important of all, be sure that the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association.

Choosing a sleep away camp is a very important decision. Take the time to consider everything that will affect your child’s experience at camp. Choosing the right camp makes all the difference in the memories your child will have of their summer sleep away camp.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Keeping your silk curtains beautiful

Silk curtains are a beautiful addition to your home. They add class, color, and luxury to the bedroom, dining room or living room. Silk is a natural fabric, produced by silk worms. It can also be quite delicate. When it comes to cleaning silk curtains you need to be very careful.
The first thing you need to do when you buy your silk curtains is to see if they come with a care label. If there isn’t a care label, look through the packaging for care instructions. It may be a while before you do any major cleaning of  your silk curtains but at some point, it is coming to become necessary.

Regular maintenance

When you do your regular cleaning of your rooms, it is a good idea to also do a gentle cleaning of your silk curtains. The vacuum cleaner usually has an attachment for cleaning curtains. You will need to have one of the extenders to put on the brush and then you can vacuum the curtains. Be sure to place the vacuum on the lowest suction that you can, you don’t want to damage the curtains. Pay special attention to the top of the curtain which is the most likely spot for any dust to rest.

If your curtains are in a room where they might have picked up some smells it may be necessary to freshen them up. If you have an outdoor clothes line, this is a great way to air the curtains out so that they pick up the fresh scent of the outdoors. If you don’t have an outdoor line, place the curtains in the dryer on air only and add a dryer scent bag. You don’t want to use dryer sheets because they may damage the curtains. You can buy the scent bags and they are very eco-friendly or you make your own scent bag with some herbs or dried flowers.

Deeper cleaning

If you get to the point where you are going to have to do a more thorough cleaning of your curtains, now is the time to get out that care label or packaging. There is such a thing as washable silk, many pieces of silk are not washable. If there is a stain or a major issue and these are expensive curtains, then you need to take them to the dry cleaner and let them use their vast skill to take care of the problem. If you are willing to take the chance you can treat the stain yourself and use Dryell in your dryer. If the curtains are washable, be sure to use the gentle cycle and wash them according to directions. Be sure to dry them according to the directions as well.

Silk is a gorgeous material and makes lovely curtains. With proper cleaning and care, they will give you many years of service and add a measure of beauty and luxury to your rooms.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Easter basket ideas for teen girls

Teen girls can be one of the most difficult species on the planet. It is very hard to please them. In order to have a successful Easter basket for a teen girl you are going to have to know her very well.

No Easter basket would be complete without some chocolate. Unless you know that she loves bunnies, leave the large pieces to the younger crowd. For the teen girl, go with quality, Lindt truffles are a good choice. They are easy to pack into a basket, come in a variety of configurations and are offered in lots of flavors and fillings including white, dark and milk chocolate with peanut butter, raspberry and all sorts of luscious chocolate. Another option is a small box of Godiva chocolate.

Teen girls are half woman and half child and this makes adding a stuffed animal a great idea. 

Something small and cute will get a smile from here. Try to match the color of her room since no doubt this fluffy little friend will end up sleeping in her bed with her.

Girls of any age and jewelry are a good combination. Your teen girl will love a silver or gold piece of jewelry. You can wrap it in festive Easter wrapping paper or you can take the piece of jewelry and attach it around the neck of the stuffed animal. When she takes the bunny out of the Easter Basket, you will be guaranteed to receive a smiling response when she sees the adorable color her rabbit is wearing.

Teen girls are just starting to enjoy using makeup. Since Easter is the beginning of the spring season, why not fill a cute makeup bag in an Easter color with some new eye shadow, lip gloss, mascara and any other skin care products that you know that she loves to use. If she hasn’t got a skin care routine yet, this is time to get her started.

Bath and hair products are also great Easter gift basket ideas for a teen girl. You can make her a bath bag that she can carry with her when she sleeps over at friends’ houses. You can include small sizes of all her favorite products and if you see some spring scents you can add a little something that she may never have tried before.

Teens and music are a natural combination. Getting your teen girl her favorite group or singers latest DVD or even better a gift certificate for iTunes so that she can download some of her favorite songs is a gift that she is sure to appreciate. If your teen girl is active in a sport, a gift appropriate for that sport is sure to be a hit.

Gift certificates are always appreciated. You can get a small decorative zip change purse that will hold gift cards and fill it with some of her favorite places. It can be food or coffee shops, clothing stores, iTunes or Sephora. You know your teen girls best and you know which gift cards will bring a smile and a thank you to her lips.

Easter basket ideas for teen girls take a little extra thought but if you include some chocolate, some items that prove you know she is growing up and a least one token of her childhood, you are sure to have one very happy teen.

Monday, April 3, 2017

Choosing a storm door

Many people have a storm door on each of the exterior exits of their home. These doors help to keep the elements out and also act as a buffer between the exterior doors of the home and the weather. Storm doors come in a wide variety of styles and configurations. They also offer the ability to allow airflow into the house during the warmer months if you choose one that includes screens. There are a few things you need to do before you can choose your storm door.

When you are looking to replace your storm door or get one for the first time, you need to measure the opening. Not all doors are the same size. The standard sizes for doors run from 30 to 36 inches wide and 81 to 85 inches high. You need to take three width measurements, one at the top, one at the bottom and one in the middle. Record the narrowest measurement. Keep in mind that the door has to close. Take one height measurement.

Bring your measurements with you to the local hardware store or go to Home Depot or Lowe's. There are a wide variety of styles to choose from. Storm doors are very functional but they are also an important part of the curb appeal of your home. It is important that you make the correct choice. You want a style and a color that will complement the design of your home.

The storm door can be made of wood, aluminum or a composite material. They come in some standard colors, white, black and brown are the ones that are usually in stock. Depending on the material, you will be able to paint it to match your shutters or the trim on your house.

You may want to consider whether you need to have a glass door, a screen door or a door that can do both. Some of the storm doors have a separate screen that replaces the glass which you will need to store. Other storm doors have a window glass that slides down for storage inside the door. You need to choose the style that will meet your needs.

Once you have decided which style of storm door you want and chosen the color, it is time to give your measurements to a helpful store clerk and let them show you what they have that will give you the look and service that you have in mind. If you plan to bring the storm door home, you will need a way to carry it in your vehicle.

You will of course, have to pay for it first. If you have a minivan or truck it won't be hard to get your storm door home. If you drive a compact, pay the fee and have your new storm door delivered to your home.

Choosing a storm door is a big decision and the can be quite costly. Take your time and make an informed decision that you will be happy to live with for years to come.