Wicker World

http://www.baskets-guide.com/

2007-05-29T05:25:00.001-07:00

http://www.wickerguide.com/

http://www.totalaromatherapy.com/

Storage Solutions

2006-12-31T05:02:00.000-08:00

There is a growing trend in markets large and small to convert former grocery stores or other vacant retail space into secure, climate controlled storage centers. This new market model is a win-win for everyone. Strip mall owners are able to get long term leases on retail space that was sitting idle. The self storage center is able to get a great price on existing space that is already under roof and has HVAC. Plus,can be converted less expensively to storage units then if they were starting from scratch. The big winner is the self-storage consumer.

Since these new storage centers are in retail areas they tend to be more conveniently located than newer, free-standing self storage centers. Because the overhead is lower the rates for individual storage units are often less expensive per square foot. These centers also offer a wider variety of space options since not all of their storage units are the same cookie-cutter size. This is really handy if you have something that is over sized or an odd shape that needs to be stored. The biggest plus is this new generation of climate controlled storage is an added level of security.

The converted retail stores to self storage centers have limited access, either through the front doors or the shipping bay doors. These are easy to monitor both by humans and by video security cameras. This is much better that hundreds of feet of chain length fence – often with blind spots that are not monitored – and the risk of someone breaking into your storage unit undetected.

For more information on this subject visit EA Storage or Awesome Storage or Practical Storage Solutions.

Great Landscaping

2006-11-07T05:06:00.000-08:00

Great Landscaping

Is your house and your lawn an eyesore for the neighborhood? Do you want to improve the value and beauty to your home? Nothing will have greater impact than a well groomed landscaped yard. Instead of being the guy the folks next door and down the street complain about because you are the primary source of weeds for everyone. Be a hero instead. A little effort, a few hours and a few dollars can make a major difference in the appearance of your landscaping -- and your relations with the neighbors.

FIXTURES

2006-08-12T04:46:00.000-07:00

FIXTURES

Say you have a broken fixture in your house. The big question is always do I attempt to repair it or simply replace it? The decision is usually determined by the nature of the fixture in question. Generally, a replacement is the obvious choice unless it is an antique or solid brass,

A replacement eliminates the hassle of rewiring or working with small, soft screws that are easy to lose or misplace. In most cases, replacement fixtures come with the correct hardware included and usually require little more that a screw driver to install.

Here is a Safety Tip. If you are changing anything electrical, be sure to trip the circuit breaker before you even consider reaching for your tools.

Custom Cookware

2006-08-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

Custom Cookware

We've in the middle of gutting the old kitchen and starting over from the sub-flooring up. When its done we will have granite countertops, cherry cabinets and a dual fuel Viking.

With that kind of kitchen, obviously the old cookware has got to go. I've looked at copper cookware, aluminum cookware and -- judging by the price -- solid gold cookware. During my hunt I came across a great site:

COOKSWARE GUIDE

If you're looking for cookware, this is the place to start.

QUICK HITS!!

2006-07-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

QUICK HITS!!

Here are some really good sites you may want to visit…..

PATIO & DECK

Want to improve the value of your home; then start in the backyard. Experts say you get a 100% return on your investment in a new patio or deck when you go to sell your home. Plus, you get to enjoy it.

Totally Patios

KITCHEN
Nothing increases the value of your home then improving your kitchen. Whether you are just replacing the old countertop and refrigerator, or ripping everything out to the bare walls and starting over; look online first.

Stunning Kitchens

FLOORING
Online you will find a ton of great floors and flooring sites with some really cool ideas. My personal favorite is Amazing Flooring. You can shop at your leisure without the annoying salesperson.

STORAGE
How to solve the storage problem around you home can be frustrating. Try this site for some really good tips: Storage. There is never enough storage and after a few years that house that was seemed so huge when you moved in now looks like a self-storage bay. Go online for solutions.

LANDSCAPING
Do you want to add more value and beauty to your home? Nothing will have greater impact than a well groomed landscaped yard. A little effort and a few dollars can make a huge difference to your yard and the value of your property.

Try some of these. They are worth the click.

Ceramic Tile Flooring

2006-06-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Ceramic Tile Flooring

Want to improve the value of your house? Then install new ceramic tile flooring and ceramic floors. Remember, when it is time to upgrade and replace nothing is more durable and beautiful than ceramic tiles. Once in place ceramic tiles are for all intents and purposes indestructible and simple to maintain.

There is a near limitless variety of colors, styles and sizes with more new products arriving on the market every day. When looking for ceramic tiles, always start with the internet. You will find some wonderful ideas and many free tips online.

One important tip: be sure you check the references of the flooring contractor you are using for your ceramic tile installation. A poorly installed tile floor can be a horror to replace or repair.

BAMBOO

2006-06-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

BAMBOO

While shopping at the local Home Depot, I stumbled across something that instantly caught my eye. In the kitchen remodeling department I discovered a beautiful bamboo cutting board. I had never seen anything like it, so, of course, I had to buy one. Once I had it home, I delighted to find it was more rugged than any of my hardwood cutting board and the bamboo fibers stood up to all of my knives without leaving any marks.

Please remember, Bamboo is a renewable resource. Save the environment by using more Bamboo, and less plastic!

Cookies!

2006-06-02T04:48:00.000-07:00

Cookies!

Nothin’ says lovin’ like somethin’ from the oven and cookies say it the very best. One day when I got tired of the standard oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies I went online for some ideas. I found the cutest site with some really great stuff

Cookies Guide

It had everything I needed and then some. This did peak my curiosity and I found another great site:

Totally Cookies

Oh well, its time to head over to Weight Watchers. Maybe this wasn’t such a good place after all!

BAMBOO

2006-05-26T05:23:00.000-07:00

While visiting my local home product superstore, I came across the most interesting thing the other day. I discovered a beautiful bamboo cutting board. I had never seen anything like it, so, of course, I had to have it. When I got it home, I discovered it was tougher that my hardwood cutting board and the bamboo fibers stood up to all of my knives without leaving any marks on he cutting board.

Bamboo is environmentally friendly Bamboo, and a renewable resource. Use more bamboo and less plastic!

The Wonderful World of Art

2006-05-17T05:09:00.000-07:00

Nothing improves a life more than art. It will add dimensions to your body and soul that are difficult to measure. Now, thanks to the internet, you are not restricted to your local market, the world is opening up. Use it Enjoy!
Here are just a few examples of the world that awaits you:

Africian Art
Fine Art Schools
Japanese Art History
Contemporary Fine Art
American Art History
Abstract Art Gallery

Always deal with well-known and reputable people. Never send cash to someone you are the least bit uncomfortable with.

BLINDS & CURTAINS

2006-05-12T04:50:00.000-07:00

BLINDS & CURTAINS

You can find nearly anything on the internet and anything you can’t find you don’t need. Take curtains and blinds. Before you ask how can you possible shop for curtains and blinds online, think about it for a minute. Go to a blinds or curtains webpage and you’ll be stunned by the information which is available.
Every manufacturer of blinds, curtains or other window coverings has a web page with some truly remarkable pictures and suggestions. On the flip side, there are tons of online retailers trying to sell you blinds and curtains that will offer comparisons and give you a good idea of what the true market price should be.

Granted it is hard, if not impossible to make a final decision on curtains or blinds based on a picture on your computer screen. However, you can use this information in two very useful ways. First, you can get a good idea of what you want and how much it will cost. Armed with this information you can visit the local blinds and curtains blinds and curtains store and see what you have in person.

Shop smart. Shop ONLINE

Ceramic Tile Flooring

2006-05-07T05:13:00.000-07:00

Want to improve the value of your house? Then install new floors and flooring. Remember, when it is time to upgrade and replace nothing is more durable and beautiful than ceramic tiles. Once in place ceramic tiles are for all intents and purposes indestructible and simple to maintain.

There is a near limitless variety of colors, styles and sizes with more new products arriving on the market every day. When looking for ceramic tiles, always start with the internet. You will find some wonderful ideas and many free tips online.

One important tip: be sure you check the references of the flooring contractor you are using for your ceramic tile installation. A poorly installed tile floor can be a horror to replace or repair.

Furniture

2006-05-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Shopping for furniture online might seem impossible at first glance but a hundred years ago people did it all the time from the Sears and Roebuck Company. The modern buyer can go online and get information their great grand parents could have only dreamed of.
Here is a really fun place I found:
My Great Furniture
And here’s another:
Amazing Furniture
Always be careful whenever you buy products from someone on the web. Have a good idea who you’re dealing with.

Storage

2006-04-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

By John Wilson
Published with the Permission of the Author

It is always amazing how quickly you run out of space, especially if you’re a packrat like me. Fortunately, there are tons of solutions available to increase the useable space you already have, rent a temporary solution or rent a full blown all weather storage unit.

To increase you usable space without remodeling or renting, look to shelf, closet and garage storage solutions. There are some really clever items on the market and a quick internet search on Google, Yahoo or MSN will net you a wealth of great ideas.

Then there is the traditional backyard shed. They come in all shapes and sizes and different level of complication. Some can be assembled in a few minutes, other require skilled labor and a building permit. These are usually used to make more room in a garage by providing a space for lawnmowers and other hand tools.

A recent innovation is the POD or temporary storage unit that you can park in your driveway for a few weeks if you need storage and don’t want to haul everything across town. These are really handy, as we discovered when we put in new flooring. We were able to move all of the furniture out of a section of the house while the work was being completed.

Finally, there are the full scale storage rental units. They come in all shapes and variety but a general rule of thumb if you have extreme weather in your area, either very hot or humid to very cold in the winter; it is probably wise to rent an air-conditioned unit. This is especially true if you are storing furniture or clothing.

Check out your options online.

Kitchens

2006-04-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

Good Kitchen Design Ideas
“This Old House”

Good kitchen design starts early, even as early as locating the room within the house. If you're lucky enough to be able to choose which direction your kitchen will face, consider orienting it toward the east or southeast, where morning sun will fill it with light. Unfortunately, in rehab, choosing the southeast orientation is not always possible, although we think it's worth working hard to achieve.

If this simply can't be done, orienting the kitchen to the south or southwest is a good choice. If you go this route, provide some means of shading the room from the hot summer sun, such as deciduous trees or shrubs, awnings or overhangs above windows or even with good window blinds.

Once you get the kitchen oriented, there are some basic design principles that will help you with the layout:

Traffic
A house is not an island; it requires frequent contact with the outside world, much of which is accomplished by car. An attached garage closely adjoining the kitchen or a back door opening on the driveway can reduce the burden of carrying groceries in and the trash out.

A mud room can reduce kitchen traffic by acting as a staging area for trips into and out of the house. It offers a buffer from cold air, storage space for coats, hats and boots and even pantry shelves for items you won't be using immediately. Taking all this activity out of the kitchen provides more room for cooking and eating, which are, after all, a kitchen's main events.

The Work Triangle
For most of the 20th century, kitchens were organized around what's known as the work triangle — the geometry determined by sink, range and refrigerator. Since most kitchen work is a dance among the three appliances, a good design will make the distances between them comfortable. If they're too short, the work area will be cramped; if too far, the cook will become worn out trotting between them. The rule of thumb is that the three legs of the triangle should add up to between 12 and 26 feet.

There are three basic layouts for the work triangle: u-shaped, l-shaped and galley. In the u-shaped kitchen, there's a triangular path from the sink on one wall to the range on another, to the refrigerator on a third. In an l-shaped kitchen, one element of the work triangle is against one wall with the other two along another. In very tight circumstances, all three points are arranged along the same wall, like the cooking facilities on-board ship, thus the name galley kitchen.

Ideally no traffic should pass through the work triangle. Nothing is more irritating than having people crash into you when you're trying to cook. If there's going to be an island or table in the room, place it where it will neither obstruct the work triangle nor be too far to be a useful work station itself.

Keep in mind that people not directly involved in cooking often need access to the kitchen, particularly the refrigerator. Of the three components of the work triangle, the refrigerator should be located at the triangle's outer corner for easy access. The sink should be accessible as well, but the cooking surface ought to be as protected as possible and therefore at the most remote point of the work triangle.

Necessary Gadgets
To function well, the sink, cook top and refrigerator each need to be surrounded with a certain amount of floor and counter space. The refrigerator door needs a clear swing and, if possible, enough room for two people to reach in simultaneously. The doors of any cabinets around the fridge should not conflict with its door. And the refrigerator also needs an 18-inch run of counter as a staging area for foods going into or coming out of it.

By custom, the sink is placed beneath a window, both to provide daylight for chores done there and to give one a view outdoors. I suppose the custom derives from the days before dishwashers, when the task of washing up was a tedious affair done by hand. Yet working at a sink with a window is still much more pleasant than working at a sink without one. Designers often place the sink first and lay out the rest of the work triangle from there.

Minimum counter lengths are considered to be 36 inches on one side of the sink and 24 on the other, which gives you a staging area for dirty dishes on one side and a drying area on the other. It seems logical to locate the greatest expanse of counter on the side of the sink closest to the cook top, since that is where most foods prepared at the sink are destined.

The optimum location for the cook top is along an exterior wall, rather than on an island or peninsula. With a stove on an outside wall, it's easy to install an effective hood and ventilation system, essential to expel grease, smoke and combustion gases. The stove or cook top needs a 21- to 30-inch overhead clearance so cooks can readily see and access rear burners and the ventilation system can do its work efficiently.

If you plan to install a dishwasher, place it close to the sink. Where you choose to put it might depend on whether you're right- or left-handed and on the path dishes are likely to take when cleared from the table. Also consider the choreography of two people loading and unloading the machine.

Glassware and dishes should be stored in cabinets or shelves near the sink. Frequently used pots and pans could be stowed between the sink and cook top or from a hanging rack.

Consider locating your silverware drawers close to the drying rack or dishwasher but out of the primary work triangle so that someone can set the table without interrupting the cook

Professional cooks, who spend a great deal of time in their kitchens, prefer to have their utensils within easy reach. (Julia Child stows her knives on pegs above her sink.)

Shelves or cabinets above the cook top can hold foods that aren't affected by warmth, such as pasta, rice, and cereal. A shelf just below these cabinets but above the cook top can transform the space into a cooking workshop, providing a handy resting place for timers, spices, cooking supplies and implements.

A large volume of kitchen goods can be stowed in a pantry, an efficient, relatively inexpensive means of storage. Since a pantry is essentially a closet lined with shelves, it's easy on the budget. Also plan to reserve part of the pantry as a utility closet, where mops, brooms and cleaning supplies can be easily stored.

Eating In
Islands can serve as tables for informal meals. If it's the height of conventional counters — 36 inches — you'll need stools and an ample overhang of about 12 inches to comfortably accommodate sitters' knees.

If you're thinking about placing a table in your kitchen, here are some basic parameters: A rectangular table with a seating capacity of four to six should measure 2 1/2 feet by 5 to 5 1/2 feet. You'll need 2 1/2 to 3 feet of clearance all around for chairs and adequate circulation. A round table takes up less space but can accommodate more people if need be. Remember that a small increase in radius makes for a big increase in the circumference of the table and therefore the floor space it will take up.

Flooring

2006-04-14T03:20:00.000-07:00

The Web is now the new shopping mall for most everything from nuts to bolts. It was hard for me to believe that the internet might be a good place to look for new flooring – particularly ceramic tile. A picture is one thing but how do you know if you’ve gotten the right flooring or tile without seeing it in person?

The short answer is you can’t.

However, by surfing the net you can get some really, really good ideas. All of the flooring manufactures have stunning web pages with professional quality pictures of flooring and tile. They also have some great tips on the other materials that will be need and how to do a self installation.

The main advantage of the internet is you can get a pretty good idea of the true market price. If you can buy the same flooring for 30% less online, even after paying for shipping, then you know the salesman is either has a child with braces on their teeth or one in college. I’m all for higher education and good oral hygiene but not someone else’s kid, particularly on my dime.

By using the web, you can get yourself a game plan before you go flooring shopping at one of those mega home stores or flooring shop. Do your homework online. Have a rough idea of exactly what you’re looking for before you head for the door.

And, be ready to spend more than you expected.

Morgan Jefferson
Reprinted with permission

Baskets

2006-04-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

A few years ago baskets were the hottest items to buy, sell or trade on the internet. Baskets were the darlings of the eBay groupies and were almost as hot as the “beanie baby” craze. From Nantucket and Shaker baskets to sweetgrass baskets made by Gullah women in the low country of the Carolinas, 100% annual increases in value were not uncommon. Sometimes they would double in days or weeks. Baskets replaced Tupperware as the “party” item of choice in suburbia. Longaberger was once one the most searched words on the web.

Then, like the famous collapse of the tulip market in Holland in the middle of the 17th century, the bottom fell out of the baskets, so to speak, and they landed with a thud. Because they are now as cold as they were hot, this may be an excellent time to purchase high quality baskets. With a bit of sniffing around on Google or Yahoo, you may be able to locate some excellent values.

Just be careful. Low end knock offs that looked like the real thing may have been what contributed to the sudden demise of the basket market. If you’re a novice, do some research; if you’re an old pro, keep you eyes open at the local flea market and garage sell. There are basket bargains to be had.

Wyoming John
Reprinted with the Permission of the Author

Bamboo

2006-03-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

While shopping at the local Home Depot, I stumbled across something that instantly caught my eye. In the kitchen remodeling department I discovered a beautiful bamboo cutting board. I had never seen anything like it, so, of course, I had to buy one. Once I had it home, I delighted to find it was more rugged than any of my hardwood cutting board and the bamboo fibers stood up to all of my knives without leaving any marks.

Please remember, Bamboo is a renewable resource. Save the environment by using more Bamboo, and less plastic!

Tiles Guide

2006-03-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

Nothing adds value to a home like new floors and nothing is more durable and beautiful than ceramic tiles. Once installed properly, ceramic tiles are virtually indestructible and simple to keep clean and maintain.

The variety of styles and colors is limitless with new products coming on the market every day. When shopping for ceramic tiles, always start online. You will find some wonderful ideas and many free tips.

When it comes time to install your new flooring, be sure you check the references of the contractor you are using. A poorly installed tile floor can be a nightmare to repair and replace.

Storage

2006-03-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

How to solve the storage problem around you home can be frustrating. Try this site for some really good tips: Storage. There is never enough storage and after a few years that house that was seemed so huge when you moved in now looks like a self-storage bay. Go online for solutions. From shelving, offsite storage or backyard storage, you will find it on the internet.

Great Landscaping Ideas

2006-02-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

Do you want to add more value and beauty to your home? Nothing will have greater impact than a well groomed landscaped yard. A little effort and a few dollars can make a huge difference to your yard and the value of your property. Instead of purchasing pricey landscape idea books at the local home improvement super store; Try the internet. You can get the same info at no cost and not spend $25 bucks for a book you'll glance at once then toss on a shelf.

Be smart, do your leg work online.

Kitchen

2006-02-13T06:58:00.001-08:00

The Challenge of Kitchen Remodeling

It’s an obvious fact that our old kitchen has competely outlive its usefullness and needed to be dumped. We set a cash limit that seemed like a king's ransome -- until I started getting prices. Remodeling a kitchen is hard to do on the cheap. Thanks to the internet, I could find some great deals on materials and outstanding design ideas. Now I’m ready for anything any sneaky contractor may throw my way.

Here are some sites I found useful:

www.kitchensguides.com
www.totallykitchens.com
www.totallyovens.com
www.delightfulkitchens.com
www.delightful-kitchens.com
www.stunning-kitchens.com
www.stunningkitchens.com

The Internet is the way to shop. No crowds, good hours and good deals. Just be careful. Their are some really shady folks on the web -- you know the ones. The offer get rich deals, cheap drugs and software. This market has its share as well.

Motorcycle

2006-02-13T06:58:00.000-08:00

Get Some Wind in Your Hair!

Nothing says springtime like a ride on a Harley, or a Yamaha, or a BMW, or a Triumph, or a Honda. Whether you’ve been riding for years or a rookie still picking the gravel out of your teeth, here are some really good sites I’ve found on the internet you may find helpful:

A Good place for great deals:
http://www.totally-motorcycles.com/Cheap-Motorcycles/

Good all purpose site:
http://www.motorcyclesguides.com/motorcycles/

For the “Hog lover in you:
http://www.harleydavidsonguide.com/harleydavidson/

Looking for a bargain?
http://www.totallymotorcycles.com/cheapmotorcycles/

Strap on your helmet and ride!

Camps

2006-02-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

To protect your sanity do you need to get the kids out from under your feet this summer? Now is the perfect time to start looking for a camp to ship the little darlings off to. A few minutes online will show you the wide range of camps out there.

In there a future Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers under your roof? Then dance camp may be for them. If you have the kind of child who beats up the kind of child who goes to dance camp, there is always brat camp.

Depending on your child, they may be a candidate for an adventure camp. These camps offer varying levels of challenge and different opportunities for the personal growth of your child. When looking for an adventure camp be realistic about your child's abilities. Don't put them in a situation that will lead to failure. A child 40 pounds overweight probably wouldn't be a good candidate for a rock climbing camp.

There are specialized camps that are geared towards the individual talents and desires of the kid. Do you have a budding thespian? Then an acting camp may be perfect. Can't drag junior out of his room or get him offline, then a computer camp may be for him. Who knows, he could be the next Bill Gates.

These camps, especially the good ones, fill up early. Talk it over with your child and book your reservations as soon as possible.

2006-02-06T05:05:00.000-08:00

The internet has opened up an entire new world of fresh ideas. Recently, when shopping for chairs, I started by getting good ideas online.

If you're looking for an adirondack rocking chair, an antique rocking chair or a simple wooden rocking chair, start by reviewing some web pages. Go to Google or Yahoo and type in "Chairs" and, if you're looking for something specific like ergonomic, add that as well. You will be amazed at the variety of options that exist.

Recently I needed a new office chair, guess where I turned? When my mother broke her hip and we needed a wheelchair that wasn't too heavy for her to operate we found what we were looking for online.

When my daughter had her first child and we needed a high chair and not just any high chair but a Baby Trend high chair, we found it cheap on the web.

Don't be bashful. Jump on in. The water is fine online.

Your complete guide to speakers - Alpine Car Speakers

2005-12-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

Your complete guide to speakers - Alpine Car Speakers: "Alpine Car Speakers
Alpine SPS-170A Car Speakers and Subwoofers Reviews at Shopping.com
Read Alpine SPS-170A Car Speakers and Subwoofers Reviews and Compare Alpine SPS-170A Car Speakers and Subwoofers Prices. Shopping.com helps shoppers...
http://www.myvillage.dealtime.co.uk/xPR-Alpine_SPS_170A
Pacific Audio & Alarm
Product Lineup. Custom Installations. Car Audio Forum. Live Web Cam. Employment Opportunities. Product Specials. Pacific Performace Engineering...
http://www.pacific-audio.com/
Alpine SPS-690A Car Speakers and Subwoofers - Find, Compare, and Buy
Read Reviews and Compare Prices on Alpine SPS-690A Car Speakers and Subwoofers. Shopping.com helps shoppers find, compare, and buy anything in just...
http://www.loot.dealtime.co.uk/xPC-Alpine_SPS_690A
eBay - Component s 6.5 inch round Alpine New and Component s 6.5...
Buy Component s 6.5 inch round Alpine New and Component s 6.5 inch round Alpine items in Car Speakers Speaker Systems category at low prices. Sign up...
http://item-specifics.ebay.com/14936-31302-7.html"

2005-12-09T03:36:00.000-08:00