Category: general

When you see the picture of the perfect American living room in a home, there’s a cozy room with a couch, recliner and a fireplace burning beautifully. People love to sit by the fireplace watching the flames encircling the logs. Not only does the fireplace add warmth but it adds atmosphere. Unfortunately a fireplace in a home is not perfect. There are many issues that make a fireplace very inefficient.

When a fireplace is burning, it radiates warmth into the air around it. But it also creates a current that actually pulls that air out of your room and up through the chimney. So basically warm air is escaping and your fireplace has to work even harder to warm your room. Yes, there is a damper on a chimney that supposedly keeps the inside air from escaping and the outside air from coming in. But most are not constructed very well and the seal around the edges of the damper still allows air to escape.

There are some things you can do to fix this problem. There is a damper that you can buy which is installed at the top of the chimney. This damper acts like a storm door and has a seal so that the air cannot sneak around it. You can get such a product online and you can install it yourself if you’re comfortable going on top of your roof.

Another option you have is to change your wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace. You can get a gas fireplace insert which can look just like a regular wood burning fireplace. These heaters have artificial logs that look just like they’re burning. Depending on your home construction and budget, you have several options on how to install and vent the fireplace. Most gas fireplaces use propane or natural gas sources. Many homeowners go with this type of change because they get tired of having to keep cut wood around and disposing of the ashes. A gas fireplace eliminates that need.

You can also replace your fireplace with an electric heater. There are portable electric heaters that look just like fireplaces. You can get an electric fireplace heater that has a fan which can very efficiently heat a whole room quickly. Electric heaters are very efficient in the way that they heat a room. 100% of the electricity that is used is turned into heat and put back out into the room.

Another inconvenience is that the fireplace is usually in the room with the thermostat. The room with the fireplace becomes very warm and the thermostat turns off the heat. This makes rooms in the rest of the home cooler because the fireplace is not heating them. This may cause you to look into getting a portable space heater for other rooms in your home.…

A lot of people have asked me about Celtic hair styles for both men and women. They want to know about everyday lives and how they looked.

Celtic Soap – The Romans noted that the Celts were very particular about bathing and grooming habits. They smelled great, as they we know they washed their hands and faces with soap in the morning, as well as bathed fully with soap in the evening. Afterwards they applied oil with scented herbs on their skin. In the Brehon laws there is clear descriptions as to when the elite ‘security’ warriors have to bath as well as foster children’s brats had to be washed every other day. A brat was a kind of cloak Almost ritualistic in belief. It is said that it is the Celts who introduced soap to the Romans who used the oil and sticks to scrape off their dirt previously.

Celtic Hands – In Ireland, the hierarchy persons had to have their fingernails kept well-groomed. The warriors were considered hierarchy and would be shamed if he kept his nails ragged. Women sometimes dyed their nails crimson as we see from the story of Deirdre who makes a statement that crimsoning her nails refers to joyous occasions and thus she will no longer do this when some boys die.

Celtic Facial and Body Hair & Makeup – Make Celts were sometimes with or without a beard or moustache, depended on the tribe and position. Some soldiers and lower class Celts had moustaches, often curled up at the ends, but without the beard up to the medieval period. The beards were often forked – Irish artwork very few others show an unforked beard, and instead with a square cut to the bottom. Other beard styles show one single long beard on chin, sometimes with a square cut to the bottom.

Prominent persons were either clean-shaven or had both a beard and a moustache. The moustache later became know to the aristocracy and worn alone, which carried through to the medieval period. Diodorus of Sicily – “Nobles shave their cheeks, but they let the moustache grow until it covers the mouth.” As said there are several tribes so this all depends on the area. Caesar noted that the Celts shaved their bodies except for the head and upper lip.

In the myths we can see many things they did, but one must read through the many to find these gems. For example – Berry juice, would sometimes be used for ladies eyebrows black. Irish missionary monks were also known to paint or dye their eyelids black. The cheeks were reddened using a plant called ‘ruam’ — could be alder berries but it is unknown. It is not clear whether both men & women reddened their cheeks.

Celtic Hair was long according to Cesar and a few other sources by the free classes and for both men and women – Irish artwork.

Warriors, on the other hand – (Roman sculpture of the ‘dying Gaul’ …

The work of Joan Miro has been referred to as having childlike organic forms, though not exactly childlike in form his images none the less have a huge amount of appeal thanks to their organic yet flat and solid nature. Because of their colorful and solid composition such works of art can make good decoration for your nursery, and would defiantly make such a room unique among those of children. Such paintings as his however need a frame unless your walls are a neutral color as one of their primary compositional powers comes from the internal color scheme and so can be detracted from by external colors.

For many the idea of using such surreal art as wall art for kids seems strange however pictures do not necessary need to add a story to add interest. The Painting “Daybreak Tagesanbruch” is a strongly composed picture of green, red, yellow, and blue who’s flat simplicity makes it both easy to examine and fascinating as a design element. Like a little creature standing between the worlds of dawn and night as the sun on rising this painting has a strange energy that could fit very will in any child’s room.

The “Melancholic Singer” like the painting “Daybreak Tagesanbruch” is a multicolored series of shapes, however it has a larger area that could be considered a sort of odd negative space in which the paint of the picture can dance like a wild flock of birds. One of Miro’s more interesting paintings “The Melancholic Singer” typifies the type of imagery normally associated with the painter, a strong work of art its power lays in the its unique way of moving across the page, a form of movement that would add energy to any nursery décor.

“Lune Verte” like the “Melancholic Singer” dances across the page as a series of broken images coming to overwhelm the negative space that is so much larger then they are with pure energy. However in this picture the solid flat images normally associated with Miro’s work have help from what is perhaps one of the few times he truly did what a small child would do. This painting is dominated by yellow scribbles that circles over his many flat organic forms. The sheer energy of this painting helps the viewers to see how much fun Miro had painting it, like any child has just placing color on a canvas, yet unlike most children one can see how firmly Miro plans or at least understands the composition of his paintings and how such things move the viewers eyes around the canvas. It is this skill that makes Miro a great painter, the ability to.

It’s interesting to note that although Miro’s most powerful compositions do seem to be the broken dances across negative space, this is not necessarily his most common form of painting composition. His painting “Compositions” though in color and style choice is much like the two previously mentioned paintings it is much more solid, as it …

Injury or accident can occur at any place, at any time, be it in the work place or at home. These injuries (in this scope covers the minor injuries likely in a cooking environment) can be possibly prevented, and where it could not but happen can be effectively handled.

Below are the practical measures that should be observed to prevent or at least reduce to the barest minimum: cuts, falls, burns and strains. And where it occurs, some first aid measures (treatments).

Cuts: Always keep knives and use the right knife for the right job.

– Take precaution with sharp instrument; keep your fingers and other parts of your body from blade (sharp edge) or point.

– Keep shield on the sharp edges of tools and when not in use, store away in save place. Never keep knife loose with other cooking implements in a drawer.

– When cutting or chopping, ensure you do that, not on a stainless steel table, not even on your hand but on a board, and away from your body.

– Place a damp cloth under the board, where board slips and never try catching a falling knife.

– Never fool around with knife. Should you pass a knife to another, keep it pointed at the floor and not upwards.

– Wipe knife from the blunt side.

First Aid Treatment:

In the case of a minor cut, rinse wound under a cleaning running water or wash using clean water with an antiseptic like Dettol or Salvon until wound is clean, then put on a protective glove to avoid contamination.

Falls:

– Clean and dry the floor. The floor is usually slippery when wet or when fats, scraps, soap splash and drop or when nylon papers litter the floor.

– Wear non-slip shoes. Let your shoes have a good grip on the floor.

– Look where you walk. Avoid carrying large items as this might block your view and may cause you to lose your balance.

– Be sure to clear your runway of boxes, equipment, hose and wires, etc.

– Keep your mind on what you are doing. Walk purposefully but don’t run.

Strain: this means pulling the muscle in a wrong way or too suddenly, so the muscle gives way. This could be very painful as it can cause damage to the muscle. A strain in a pace like the stomach or chest could cause rupture of the internal lining, which can cause hernia that might require surgery. So

– Don’t lift heavy object without help. Use the trolley instead.

– Bend your knees, not your waist. Keep your back straight.

– Fetch it, don’t stretch for it.

– Don’t show off your strength. Work gradually, don’t go it once. Lift from floor to the chair and then to the counter.

First Aid Treatment For falls and Strains

Make the injured as comfortable as possible, apply cold compress (ice in a cloth). If any doubt about injury, treat as a fracture.

Burns Prevention

Unless …

The term “beauty” is associated with many tangible and non-tangible things. Although beauty is subjective, but it was generalized by many societies. Generally, people define some set of things as beautiful and love to live with them. Mirrors are one of such things, which has been part of the human lifestyle for millennia. Mirrors not only reflect the visible things, but also invisible things. Many Americans shop different home décor things during the Easter season. Mirrors enhance the appeal of the décor.

While shopping Wall Mirrors, consider the following points.

The size of the Mirror– It is the first thing to be considered. The dimensions of the wall will determine the size of the mirror. The mirror should not distort the charm of the wall décor. The size of the mirror also influences the nature of the room. For a vanity area, Select a mirror which suits the physical profile of household. For decorative purposes, use different sizes of mirrors for different areas. The place where you are going to hang the mirror puts a bar on their size. So, make a note of all dimensions of your area.

The Shape of the Mirror– Wall Mirrors come in copious shapes. The most commonly found mirrors are in standard shapes such as Rectangular, Circular, Squares. Contemporary Designers are coming with unusual Mirror shapes, which are eye-grabbing. If your room is rectangular, then hang circular mirrors which will be distinctive. Oval Mirrors are ideal for all places, they can be used as wall accents. If you want to be different, then search for themed mirrors. They can convey your feelings to guests.

Style– The mirror’s style should go hand in hand with the style of the décor. The nature of the frame can impact the mirror’s style.

1. For a traditional décor, choose a mirror with a Wooden Frame. The intricate and artistic carvings on the wooden frame, add immense elegance to the place.
2. Oak mirrors are known for their traditional appeal. Walnut Mirrors transform the environment in the room.
3. If you want to make a style statement, then there are many options. Frameless Mirrors are one of the best options for a stylish décor. They are easy to clean and can match any kind of décor. But make sure that their edges are smoothened. They capture the attention of the people.
4. Tufted Mirrors are designed in different styles. They are tufted with Leather or Fabric and fashioned with attractive buttons.

Color– The color of the mirror frame says everything about décor. Many people prefer classic color frames over other frames, as they can get subsumed into any décor. Gold color frames are eye-catching. Their presence can bring grandeur to the room. People who are fond of unique things should look for contrasting combinations. Light colored walls should be filled with mirrors covered with bright mirrors and vice versa. Rustic color frames can bring peculiarity in modern décor.

Above all, choose a Mirror which motivates you and makes you …

Thresholds are sometimes unnoticeable. Not every doorway has them and those that do don’t always stand out. However, thresholds can be a nice addition to a doorway, especially if the floor at both sides is distinctively different from its neighbor and needs a separation barrier instead of abruptly meeting each other.

They can also be good for stopping drafts or preventing air, either warm or cool, from escaping or entering.

But what kind of maintenance do indoor thresholds need?

There are several things to consider such as staining, sealing with urethane, or painting. Each is a possibility but the final decision depends on you. The truth is a threshold needs some kind of coating to protect it from getting dirty, being marked up, or damaged.

If you have hard wood floors you could stain the threshold:

1. Lightly sand the threshold leveling it out on all sides.

2. Prepare stain.

3. If you want to match the color of the hard wood floor apply stain slowly in coats.

4. Once you’ve finished apply a sealer giving it several coats for extra protection.

If you want to paint the threshold:

1. Lightly sand the threshold leveling it out on all sides.

2. Prepare paint. It should be oil-based for the best shine and to be longer lasting.

3. Apply at least two coats letting it dry in between.

4. Once you’ve finished apply a sealer giving it several coats for extra protection.

If you like the wood color of the threshold you may want to leave it in its natural state. In that case you should still give it a varnish to protect from foot traffic.

1. Lightly sand the threshold leveling it out on all sides.

2. Prepare oil-based varnish.

3. Apply at least two coats letting it dry in between.

Finally add some caulking around the edges of the threshold to prevent dirt from getting caught in any open spaces. After all, the threshold will be crossed by many feet carrying all kinds of gook that may just stick around if given the chance.…

Using ottomans in home décor is not new, and according to the Encyclopaedia* Britannica (not Wikipedia) the ottoman has been with us since the late 18th century when it was introduced to Europe from Turkey (the Ottoman Empire). Its origins are irrelevant to its current use, which is as a footstool or a seat.

Some ottomans consist of a small padded seat standing on four legs, while others are in the form of a padded box with a hinged lid – the storage ottoman. These have several uses in the home of which seven shall be discussed here.

1. The Ottoman as a Footrest

Many people love to stretch their legs out when sitting. Whether they are reading a book, watching TV or simply resting or napping, people like to elevate their feet and legs. The biological effect is to reduce the stress on the heart in pumping blood up through the non-return valves in the veins of their legs,

By keeping your legs raised, your heart has less work to do and you consequently use less energy so can relax easier. The padded top of an ottoman permit you to do this comfortably, and many use this type of furniture with their recliner rather than use the footrest that comes with the furniture.

2. Optional Seating

Whether it is styled in the form of a box or a chair on short legs, an ottoman is upholstered and can be used as a seat. Perhaps not as comfortable as an armchair, but sufficient as an emergency or alternative seating option in your home during parties or when a crowd of friends descend upon you. It can be stored away under a table and pulled out when needed – or rolled out if your ottoman is fitted with casters.

3. Ottoman Coffee Tables

Most well-made ottomans are solid enough to be used as coffee tables – and not just in an emergency! Many use their ottoman as a coffee table period! Your ottoman is usually lower in height than your chair or sofa, and is perfect as a coffee table. Some ottomans have a shelf under the top that can be used to store magazines, so apart from being upholstered they are more table-like than ottoman-like!

4. Storage Ottomans

Storage ottomans are virtually upholstered boxes with padded lids. The lids are hinged and open up to provide storage space that can be used in a number of ways. For example, an ottoman can be used as a coffee table with a sofa bed, and also to store the bedding for when the sofa is needed as a bed. It can be used as a piano stool, storing sheet music and other items.

They can be used in children’s rooms for toys, computer or video games and controllers, and in your bedroom as a handy seat for dressing while storing bedding, spare pillows or your nightclothes. These are just examples – an ottoman can be used to store whatever you need it …