May
2

The Feng Shui Garage Organizer

on May 2nd, 2009

You probably looked at the title and thought to yourself, “what does a garage organizer and feng shui have to do with each other?” Believe it or not, there is actually quite a nice fit between the two. A person acting as the organizer of a useful space must first recognize that feng shui has a complex and complicated cultural history going back thousands of years, and that sometimes the new age aspect of feng shui is just going to have to be good enough for their purpose.

Feng Shui is a sort of hybrid between the art and science of human interaction with things that surround them. Feng shui is interested in how to best balance those two things. Your average garage organizer home owner may not even realize that they are in fact creating, or destroying, a feng shui environment in their garage by what they do there. Clutter, for example, is an obvious antithesis of feng shui. Where things are placed matter, as do the colors used to decorate the environment.

At first flush, a study of feng shui exposes us to notions of mystical eastern enigmas. If studied casually, we may come to believe that all we have to do is just surround ourselves with certain items (things like massive fans on the wall, frogs with coins in their mouths, certain color combinations, or eastern figurines) that our lives will somehow be imbued with everything we need to be healthy, wealthy, wise, well organized, and at peace. Unfortunately, for the garage organizer, there is no magical one-size-fits-all solution offered by feng shui. In fact, outside of a rigorous study of ancient chinese texts and traditions, the best we can do is try to apply some of the basic notions of feng shui to our garage spaces.

Feng Shui teaches that the whole world we live in can be separated into five kinds of elements: earth, water, metal, fire, and wood. Each one is associated with a certain color and meaning that best suits the properties and nature of those elements, and the associated environment where they are used. A person trying to organize a garage should take these things into consideration. It is not enough, for example, to just determine that wood or metal cabinets in the garage is best. One must also learn to associate the appropriate feng shui color to use on that particular element, in that specific place. Would a metal cabinet in the garage be best painted white, or pink? If wood shelves are installed, should they be painted orange or green? How do these things interact with the other elements in the space. The nature and color of the concrete floor may indicate to the mind stability and reliability, but if you paint it a nice pastel color you will certainly get a different feeling. The idea of feng shui, as applied by the garage organizer, can also be applied to shapes, in an effort to harmonize a space. One would not, for example, create a triangle shaped storage basket when a rectangle would be better.

Remember, classic feng shui is principle-based, and that the modern American version sometimes merely suggests a quick fix approach. For many, that is good enough. Just set up a water fountain, decorate with some bamboo and viola, you have a magically peaceful place. However, to truly apply feng shui to a garage, a garage organizer must dedicate to a study of the authentic feng shui principles.

MJ writes for ClickShops Inc., where you can find a large range of garage organizer products at www.thegaragedealer.com.

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May
2

Garage Storage Solutions Take Away Your Excuses

on May 2nd, 2009

Garage storage solutions have to start with a question that only you can answer: What is my storage problem in the garage? Once you have that question answered accurately you can then move on to a consideration of alternate solutions. If you seek a solution before you really know the problem or need, then you may end up spending money on a “solution” that really just becomes part of an ever growing problem. It wouldn’t make any sense, for example, to purchase a kayak rack to hang on the wall of your garage, if you don’t own a kayak. Or let’s say you have a garden shed that houses a lot of your yard tools and paint supplies. It obviously wouldn’t make any sense to purchase and install garage storage solutions for those items. You might purchase them for the shed, but not for the garage.

For years I was frustrated with how things just got tossed in my garage. I couldn’t ever actually put the car in there because there was never any room. The kids had their bikes in there. All my tools were sort of randomly stored there. With all the miscellaneous boxes, holiday decorations, sports equipment, etc., there was never really any order to it. Seems like the garage was this ever-changing monster that just sort of ate away at my peace of mind. My wife and I used to joke around about how feng-shui our garage was. I hope you are picking up on a little sarcasm here, because that’s exactly what it is. Feng shui? Are you kidding me. I think by joking about the garage we made ourselves feel a little less pain.

But the blessed day finally came when we snapped out of it, put our thinking caps on, and learned to itemize the real problems in the garage. We literally wrote down on a piece of paper all of the areas that needed fixing. The main garage storage solutions we found to work best for us were: first, bins, hooks and racks that attach to the wall for storing the kid’s sport balls, bats, roller blades, bikes, jump rope, and winter toys. This alone helped a lot. All those little things that used to just float around wherever now have a specific place to be stored. Second, adequate shelving and cabinet space. We had a little bit of storage before, but nowhere near adequate. Once we installed more cabinets and shelves the garage really started to become a place free of stress. So much of the stuff we had could be put behind closed doors or neatly on shelves that the floor space was freed up enough to pull the car in. We had a big cake to celebrate that day!

I have a sneaking suspicion that most home owners in need of good garage storage solutions just need to crank up the thinking a notch, and learn to identify exactly what it is that they need. After this is done, there has to be a willingness to implement a solution to fit the actual need. Having a messy, cluttered, unorganized garage is not something you have to endure any longer. Your garage doesn’t have to be your nemesis. There are so many great commercial garage storage solutions for the homeowner, that now there is just no excuse for a garage that doesn’t have at least some semblance of order.

MJ writes for ClickShops Inc., where you can find great options for your garage storage solutions at www.thegaragedealer.com.

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May
2

Bedroom Decorating Ideas – Creating A Haven of Peace

on May 2nd, 2009

Does your bedroom feel like a smorgasbord of sorts? Do you end up digging up stuff from the artistic clutter that barely leaves you room to see the bottom of your bedroom floor? Although you might disagree with giving up some stuff because they appeal to your sentimental side, a chaotic space barely offers you relaxation every time you are in need of some serious rest.

There are numerous design ideas to choose from if you want to update your room. Remember, this is your very own private space so you need to choose a theme that reflects your whole personality. Decide on something you can still ultimately live with several years after. Look into several ideas first just to make sure you have a variety of themes to select from.

Are you a globe-trekker who loves the outdoors? Why not bring the wild into your space by introducing room accessories that remind you of a day at the beach or a mountain top view? Pick out rugged pieces of furniture like pine and other types of wood that are very “earthy”. Twigs and branches make for very interesting materials as well. Lend some tropical color to your walls too while you’re at it. This means painting with azure blue, forest green or simple white hues. Rattan is also a great option for chairs or tables, bamboo is another great option too.

If you are a certified beach bum, then by all means give your room some much needed vacation time too. Again, for this specific look, shades of green, white and blue reflect the ocean and the wide open sky during a clear summer day. Sandy colors or even a bit of gray won’t hurt as well. You can even utilize some sea shells you might have lying around from your last trip to the coves. Paint your existing furniture and wicker chairs in startling white to enhance that beach appeal.

Being hopelessly romantic? Then a room reminiscent of Victorian times would be just the theme for you. To create this centuries old look, paint your walls a rich dark red or a warm brown. Add some exquisite fabrics and a few wrought-iron pieces to give you that romantic air. Choose furniture that’s made of mahogany to complete the overall effect of the room. A dark wood like Cherry is a charming alternative too. If you want to suggest an Asian-inspired room, go for rattan instead of heavy wooden furnishings.

Are you a fan of the 50’s or 60’s? A vintage-themed room is also an intriguing option. Give your space the retro look by picking pieces in bright orange or dark green. Look through thrift stores for exquisite antique items as well. Old appliances may need a check-up with a reliable electrician too – just to be on the safe side. You don’t want to end up burning your newly furnished room to the ground, right?

Whatever theme you decide on, stick to it to avoid having a room that’s an undecided mixture of various influences. At the end of a tiring day, you want to have a space that’s welcoming and entirely stress-free. If it happens to be stylish and trendy, then that’s a bonus that will have you sleeping snugly each and every night – sweet dreams!

Does your home need a, long overdue, facelift? Why not revamp your living space and give it a fresh new look with some interior design tips? Gets lots more decorating tips by click on over to -> www.aboutdecor.com

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May
2

Roller Shades Are A Manageable Solution To Light Bothers In A Current Home

on May 2nd, 2009

There are many options when choosing the types of window shades and window treatments that you want to use in your home. Many people choose window shades quickly, without knowing all of their options or considering what different types of window shades could do for each room. There is one type of window treatment that you might not yet be familiar, and that is roller shades.

These window shades are such a wonderful option because you can pick what kind of shade you want in each room of your house based on the lighting conditions of each room. There is such a wide variety in the patterns available and amount of light that each shade will diffuse that you can find the perfect light management solution for every different part of your home.

Roller shades are both easy to use and very functional. Each shade is built like a scroll. They are made of a long piece of vinyl-coated fabric with a metal bar at the bottom. The window shades are easy to operate and roll up smoothly. They are adjustable so that you can leave them all the way down, all the way up, or anywhere in between! They do not require dusting like wood blinds do, and they do not get bent like aluminum blinds do.

There are three main types of roller shades; blackout, light filtering, and decorative. For rooms like bedrooms where you want total darkness, blackout window shades are a terrific option. The window shades lay flat against the windows, keeping any sun from leaking into the room. Additionally, they keep the heat of the sun out of the room, cutting down on air conditioning costs. These window shades are easy to install, and if desired you can use them with other window treatments such as gauzy drapes so that you have the option of keeping the room totally dark, totally bright, or with light filtering through the windows.

For rooms where you want light, but the sun shining in is simply too bright, light filtering roller shades are a perfect solution. Also known as ‘sunglasses’ for your window, they simply diffuse the light, making it less harsh. Light filtering window shades are designed to keep out UV rays (which can actually damage your furniture!) and also keep out the heat from the light. They even reduce glare! Finally you can watch television or use your computer in your living room and still have sunlight filtering in! These kinds of window shades are also transparent, allowing you to enjoy the view from your windows while still getting protection from the harsh rays of sunlight. After all, what point is it to have a delicately groomed yard or a home with a marvelous view if the window shades are down most of the time?

Finally, there are also roller shades available in decorative colors and patterns! These window shades can actually add to the look of your home tremendously. You can choose colors and textures that coordinate with the design of each room. Choose semi-sheer solids for a clean, modern appearance. There are countless simple textures bold patterns to pick from, including linen, brocade, tiny dots, and stone. There is also the option to have the bar at the bottom of the roller shade be decorative with an etched design or pattern. This really adds a designer finish to these window treatments.

Overall, roller shades are a terrific solution to any lighting problem you may encounter in your home. They are affordable, economical, and durable. And finally, they are the perfect combination of stylish and functional. They are the perfect lighting management solution for the modern home!

Judith Persit is a expert of interior design on internet courses. She began in this project stimulated by a search for design options in window treatments. Ms. Persit writes concerning roller shades. Roller shades can be interesting, you can learn more about window shades at her website with many pictures.

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May
2

Rocking Horses with Wheels are the Best

on May 2nd, 2009

Children absolutely love rocking toys, especially wooden rocking horses! And, I don’t blame them one bit!

Rocking horses have been enchanting both the young and the young at heart since the 17th century. A rocking horse is a captivating toy, a beautiful addition to any room, and a future heirloom. Rocking horses are also an excellent heirloom.

We were privileged to have no ordinary rocking-horse. Ours was a rocking horse with wheels! I really think that they are the best! I still have photos of my sister and myself both rocking and pushing it along. In fact my parents could not stop me pushing it in order to get a picture of me, so you see they found a boulder and set in front of the front wheels. Now, that picture really makes me laugh. I was so annoyed to see the obstruction that I was obstinately still pushing against that immovable object when they took the photo and my expression is quite comical!

Each child will adore a rocking horse for a period, and then grow out of all such things. That is no reason at all for not buying your children one, besides adults are constantly charmed by seeing them. It takes them back to a time of innocent enjoyment in their own lives. Is there any wonder that it is a memory to treasure, and many adults will buy themselves a rocking horse to adorn their home, even when there are no children around.

After the child no longer enjoys the horse, it is stored away in the attic until the next child comes along. The seeking it out again dusting and cleaning it in anticipation of the joy of its new owner, is a delight for so many adults and children. What are attics for, if not made for such objects?

Rocking horses in the 19th century were made of timber in block sections. The body and head were of softwood, usually yellow pine which was easy to carve, while the legs were made from hardwood, commonly beech, with ash used by choice for the rockers.

Rocking horses date back to the Middle Ages and are thought to have been made in Germany. Medieval knights practiced jousting on wheeled horses, but wooden horses made for children came later. Their popularity rose in the 1800s when they began to resemble the sculpted creations we recognize today. The Victorian rocking horses were crafted by hand, but as the Industrial Revolution progressed, the rocking horse became a mass-produced item.

Rocking horses and other similar rocking toys have been around are some of the best classic toys there are. The best examples make wonderful collectibles.

But what is about rocking horses that make them so well loved through the generations? I would say that physically, the rocking motion naturally soothes every child and also helps their development of balance and vision. But, that is only the half of it because in the child’s imagination comes all the association with horses, and beyond that to the magical stories, legends and fables of riders and horses which while gently rocking, the imaginative child can picture and re-live in their minds.

Rocking horses also evolved into spirited racing steeds with lowered heads and outstretched legs. These horses were effective training devices as the young rider could easily be thrown if not riding correctly.

Which brings me to make the point in this age of safety worries, that rocking horses as well as any other baby toys should always be chosen according to infant safety criteria and age limit. For small babies, about 4 months old and up, a rocking horse shall have a special seat, these are best if removable and washable.

Children are rough on everything, especially in their developmental years, before they learn the benefit (and necessity) of taking care of their belongings. As a result, choose children’s furniture which has been built to withstand the constant interaction of children.

Steve Evans would like to invite you to more parental musings and advice at the kids toys collectibles and parents blog which he runs. For those interested in our Kid Games Blog etc we also recommend visiting these: kids toy collectibles.

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