Centerpiece Ideas for Your Kid's Birthday Party

Planning a kid’s birthday party is an easy job for any parent out there. It’s quite easy to think about what to cook for the party, how to make the invitations, and what activities to offer to the kids in the party. Planning the centerpiece for the birthday tables, however, is the most important since it sets the theme for the birthday party itself. If you’re planning to make a centerpiece for your tyke’s birthday party, then I suggest picking something that he/she either likes, or something that he’ll/she’ll be proud to show off to his/her little buddies. Here are some ideas to help you get started with your project.

Your Kid’s Favorite Characters – Your kid’s favorite characters can be a centerpiece that he’ll enjoy. There are a lot of 3-D pop-out centerpieces of different cartoon or videogame characters out there that you can either buy or print out yourself. You can also buy dolls or figures of that character to be displayed as a bunch in the middle of the table. Afterwards, the rest of the table ornaments should go along with this centerpiece.

Your Kid’s favorite toys – You can also use your kid’s favorite toy as a centerpiece. For example, if your kid is into teddy bears, you can assemble a bundle of teddy bears, and then set them in the middle of the table together with other tiny details that can help set the theme for your table. You can even make a whole scene out of these toys as a centerpiece (provided that your table is big enough to accommodate that many toys).

Candies – Using candies and other sweets is also a great idea for a centerpiece, but you’ll have a hard time making a theme with it. You can use the color of the candies to set a color scheme for the table, however, so it’s not all that bad. The best part of it is that a lot of kids love candies, making this centerpiece idea a sure hit in birthday parties. Be careful not to use glass trays for your sweets, though – remember that this is a party for kids who might end up hurting themselves if they end up breaking the glass candy tray!

Cakes – You can also use cakes and cupcakes as your table’s centerpiece, provided that you have a good tray for it. There are a lot of cake and cupcake plates for sale out there that you can add decorations and tiny trinkets to thanks to the slots and hooks that have been incorporated around the plates (usually seen in those high cake/cupcake plates). There are also bakeshops out there that design cakes based on popular themes (such as cartoon characters).

I hope these tips gave you an idea about how to quickly come up with easy centerpieces for your child’s birthday party. If you have other ideas about making easy centerpieces for birthdays, feel free to share!

Therese is a freelance writer who has collabortated with experienced party experts such as  JAFGifts.com and others. Her recent work includes discussing how to make your own favors centerpieces.

DIY Projects Using Construction Pallets

Not everyone is cut out to handle a do-it-yourself project.  While many homes are equipped with table saws and sanders, it is not a staple in all homes.  DIY projects are great because they are inexpensive and create unique looking furniture.  There is a simpler solution to make your own decorations without having to go out and buy heavy machinery or learn how to use equipment without injuring yourself.  Pallets that are used to haul food, materials, and other products can be taken apart and can serve a completely different service.

Tables
A very easy way to make an end table out of pallets is to stack them together and place a top on it.  Plywood or Plexiglas will work well for a study top.  Another way to is lay them out side by side to elongate the table.  Legs can be nailed to the table top buy taking apart other pallets.  It is probably a good idea to sand down the pallets to keep people from getting splinters.

Wallpaper
A lot of rooms will have an accent wall that is a little more colorful.  Rather than coming up with an elaborate paint job, pallets planks can be taken apart and nailed to the wall.  They can be stained to any color to match the surrounding painted walls.  Instead of staining it, paint can be applied over the wood and sanded down.  This will make it look like the outside of an old warn out house. 

Shelves
Pallets can be cut to form a shelf.  Since pallets already form a container it is easy to go from pallet to a set of shelves.  The first step is to cut it to the size you want it.  The back should be the side that has less space between planks.  More space in the front will give the selves a rustic look.  After they are nailed to the wall, they can be filled with books, pictures, and other forms of art.

Pallet Projects
Do-it-yourself projects using pallets are relatively simple.  Construction mats have a unique look to them and create a fun and different center piece in any home no matter if it is rustic or modern.  Even people that are not good at DIY projects will be able to handle using pallets.  Plus the great thing about this material is that it is relatively cheap and can be recycled.  That way if you screw up, you will not be out very much money. 

Garnett Wood Products is the leading provider in mat construction and manufactures a variety of crane mats, pipeline skids, and other specialty wood products.  Garnett Wood can deliver its poducts all over the US.

The History of the Hammock

Where it began
The history of the hammock is actually a rather interesting one. We all know what a hammock is but do we really know how it came into being? The earliest usage of the hammock was believed to be by Native American Indians. Spanish explorers noted that these hammocks were woven from the bark of a hamack tree. Over time this idea was improved upon by using sisal fibers which were more flexible and in a larger abundance across the land over the bark of the hamack tree.

The hammock became increasingly more popular in South America for their multi uses. Hammocks were noted to be beneficial in protection from insects and even the spread of disease. This was due to the above-the-ground suspension which hammocks offer.  People did not have to sleep on the ground and could avoid encounters with snakes and other poisonous and dangerous creatures.

Helping Ship Board Life
By the time the 1590s came around, British sailors would use hammocks on their ships and in their bunks. You could move a hammock anywhere on a ship as long as you had two places to suspend it from. Naval hammocks as they were called are still popular today on sailing vessels. Not only have hammocks found their way onto sailing vessels but they are also popular on most spacecraft even today. Hammocks evidently work great in zero gravity.

The United States military began using hammocks during the Vietnam War; however these war hammocks had one flaw. They were designed to be waterproof using segmented waterproof panels that would become filled with water overnight and place for the water to drain. Eventually the United States resolved this error in design.

Hammocks eventually spread as far as Mexico and Venezuela. Hammocks were used widely by the Mayan civilization. When the Spanish Conquistadors came and conquered the Mayans they took the idea of the hammock with them, however the Spanish have evolved the design of the hammock which is what we have today. The Spanish were the first to weave hammocks through looms and even implore the use of hand woven techniques.

Hammocks Today
Even today some of the classic hammock designs are the most popular. The Spreader bar, Mayan, Brazilian, naval, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan and even the travel size hammocks are all a product of Spanish ingenuity. Today hammocks remain one of the best selling items in many areas such as home improvement, gardening, camping, and simple leisure activities.

Mark Gregory recommends Landmark Linen who offer a wide range of quality bedding.

DIY ~ How to Make Your Own No~Heat Lava Lamp

Want something groovy to do with the kids??  How about making your very own lava lamps??  Very simple and easy to make and your kids will be amazed at their trippy creations~!!

Your going to need a few things, most you will already have lying around your house...and typically it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to make a lava lamp~!!

Materials Needed:

Container for your lava lamp ~ pop or water bottles work great
Vegetable Oil
Water
Food Colouring
Alka~Seltzer
Funnel ~ In case your opening is small, this makes it easier to add the oil to the bottle
Paper Towel ~ just in case you make a mess...;)

Instructions:

1.  Fill 1/4 of your container with water.  Add your food colouring and mix.  Usually 4 ~ 8 drops is enough.
2.  Fill the remaining bottle to nearly full with vegetable oil.
3.  Add a Alka~Seltzer ~ watch what happens.  (The alka~seltzer will not begin to break down until it has reached the water level.)
4. That's it...enjoy your results~!!

Added Note:  Do NOT put the lid on your bottle until the reaction is complete or you may be making yourselves a lava lamp bomb as the pressure inside the bottle begins to build...that wouldn't be groovy at all...lol

You can add sparkles to your lava lamp if you wish to spice it up some and try putting it under a lamp for another trippy groovy effect...but do NOT leave it there...you wouldn't want it to melt all over the place~!!

How to Become a Backyard Zookeeper

Are your dogs and cats and other household pets not providing enough excitement in your life? Have they become too mundane and predictable lately? If so, you might want to consider getting rid of them and becoming a backyard zookeeper instead. Your pet cat probably does little besides sun itself on a windowsill when not eating. Imagine how much more fun it would be to have a tiger or a lion instead. A tiger may not be able to fit on your windowsill, but it will provide you with hours of conversational material at work and at social events.

Your dog probably does little but bark, eat and sleep and generally bore you to death. Replacing that dog with a hippopotamus could be just the answer that you need. Negative people make try to deter you from keeping a zoo in your back yard, but that's only because they have no imagination.




From: How Do I Become A

DIY Vertical Garden

Vertical Gardens or Garden walls have been very popular over the years, especially with space restrictions in some areas of the world; people are having to come up with innovative ways in order to grow their own organic food stuffs.

Vertical gardens come in all shapes and sizes and can be found anywhere there is space to hang one.  There are some that scale entire sides of buildings, offices, as well as private homes and gardens.

Below you will find the directions in which to create your own Vertical garden masterpiece...the sky is the limit when planting your own food, so what are you waiting for...get creating and you will live healthier for it~!!

Source: Bridgman Rattan

So You’d Like to Start a Flower Garden…

We all flip through magazines with beautiful, lush, colorful outdoor spaces we wish we could recreate in our own yards. Or, we envy our friends and neighbors for their endless, abundant flowers beds that seem to go on forever.

If you have a vision for that perfect flower garden outside your own doors, stop dreaming and start planning. With a little research on what flowers and plants are best suited to your area, and a commitment to learning how to properly care for them, you can grow a flower garden that will bring beauty to your yard season after season.



Most gardens evolve for a number of reasons—the gardeners growing knowledge, the weather that season, and changing tastes. When you've learned a bit more about your capabilities as a gardener and exactly what you like, you'll be better equipped to choose plants, plant and care for them.

First things first. You will need some basic tools.

You want to have two shovels to dig different size holes to plant your flowers and dig up the roots of old plants, and a hoe to help till the ground and get under and remove stubborn weeds.

A garden hose will be necessary for watering. There are a number of available options; just be sure the one you select is long enough to reach your beds. Some gardeners choose soaker hoses, which weave through your beds and slowly soak the soil. Hand watering is made easier with a watering wand that enables you to adjust the water pressure and direction. Invest in a good pair of gardening gloves, a knee pad and a sturdy garden cart as well.

Start with the soil:
Just about any flowering plant you choose will thrive when planted in loose, moist, well-draining soil. You can have your soil tested (or buy a soil testing kit at your local garden center and do it at home) to determine which nutrients it may be lacking before you begin. You can improve just about any soil by adding hummus, compost, manure, or a combination.

What to plant?
For beginners, annuals are easy to grow and widely available. Ask your nursery attendant for tips, read labels and hop online if you have immediate questions. There are a number of easy-to-care-for perennials as well. Perennials can add long term beauty to your garden with beautiful blooms that come back year after year—with the proper attention and pruning of course. If you are trying to stick to a color scheme, look into the plants that will fall into your preferred palette.

The right place at the right time:
When deciding what to grow, take into account what surrounds your garden. Are there large trees surrounding your space? Choose flowers that will thrive in shady areas. In full sun all day long? That will require a different flower choice. Trust me, as many new gardeners learn the hard way, they are not interchangeable. Hint: most perennial flowers and roses do best in full sun. You’ll find a number of part-sun plants too for those areas about which you are unsure.

Get started:
Today you can find flowers at just about any retail venue, from a locally-owned nursery to grocery and drug stores. While hearty plants can be found anywhere, for your first endeavor I encourage you to seek out a reputable nursery with professionals on staff who can offer guidance on planning and selection. Most of these centers will often guarantee their plants as well and welcome return visits when you have questions—which you will. Buy hearty-looking plants with strong stems and full, leaves,

Planting:
Once you have prepared your soil, dig a hole slightly deeper than the roots of your plants. Remove the plant from its temporary container (unless it is an organic, biodegradable peat container which may be planted) and slight loose the roots. Gently place the entire root ball into the ground and fill in the hole, mounding the soil up around the stem. Fertilize at this point and then carefully monitor your plants’ water needs. Continued addition of the right nutrients and a bit of attention, and you will have a thriving, blooming flower garden in no time.

Elena Gomez is a receptionist at the Palms Hotel and avid gardener who enjoys spending her time off writing about botany and the fine art of growing home gardens.

Photo Credit: Kirpernicus

What is a Survival Kit?

What is a Survival Kit?

One phrase that you've probably been hearing a lot these days is “survival kit.” With all the stories of impending doom, tsunamis, WW3, and global disasters, people are starting to think a little bit more seriously about their futures. How many things you you depend on to keep you alive every day? Your car? House? Refrigerator? There are hundreds of thousands of tiny little things that we use every day that we completely take for granted.

What if, in the next hour, all of those things were stripped away, leaving you with nothing but a few items you can scavenge and your wits for survival? Sadly, most of us wouldn't make it when the brown stuff hits the fan, and that's where survival kits come in.

Survival Kit Meaning
A survival kit is a bag or package with just the basic supplies that the human body needs to stay alive. This includes stuff like food and water, as well as tools for making fire, building shelter, and possibly finding more food in the wild. Survival enthusiasts also call it a “bug out bag,” because when things go south this is all you need to “bug out” and get out of the major population centers, where survival will me the most difficult.

Bug out bags are usually contained in something that's easy to carry and not too heavy, such as a duffel bag or a backpack. The trick with a bug out bag is to use your space wisely, because it's so limited. You want to have enough supplies to be able to survive for at least a week, but you also need to be able to move quickly on your feet and not present a target to other survivors who may not have been so prepared.

What Should Go Into a Survival Kit?
Just the basics. That's all you need. In a realistic situation, a survival kit should really only be necessary for a few days, sometimes just a few hours. However, the last thing you want to do is under-prepare and then find our you're still waiting for aid after the supplies have run out. A good survival kit for any situation should have:

Water – A healthy human being can only function well for three days without water. After that survival becomes next to impossible. You should have at least a week's worth of water for each person.
Food – We can last longer without food, but to keep our strength up we still have to keep eating. Your survival food should be lightweight and compact, and be either preserved or dried so that it can last for an indefinite amount of time. Shelter – Ranging from a tent to a simple tarp on a tree branch, shelter will keep you dry and out of the elements.
Fire – Matches or a lighter (or both) so you can build a fire for warmth, protection, and signaling.

Kiersten Jones is a blogger who explains the need and use of survival kit through her blogs. If you're interested in Kiersten’s blogs related to survival kit  please contact through her website.

DIY: Homemade Nail Polish

Do it yourself beauty secretes have been popping up all over the internet and thank goodness! With economic times being tough, and people trying to save every dime, women need to share their tips as often as possible.

One secret that has been shared is how to make your own nail polish. Making nail polish still requires you to purchase a few items, but hopefully you already have some of the items in your makeup bag.

You Will Need:

• Clear nail polish
• Two pieces of paper
• Eye shadow
• Polyester glitter
• Toothpick

Directions:

1. Chose an eye shadow color that you would like as a nail polish. The best ones to use are mineral eye shadows that are already in a powder form; however you can use an eye shadow that is a palette form as well.
2. Using the toothpick, or another sharp object, scrape off a large amount of eye shadow onto a piece of paper.
3. With the other piece of paper, create a small funnel and place the small tip into the clear nail polish.
4. Carefully dump your now powdered eye shadow into the funnel, which will filter down into the clear nail polish. The amount of eye shadow depends on how dark or light you want your polish.
5. If you have polyester glitter, which can be bought online, add it to your nail polish as well. The amount will vary depending on how much glitter you want in your polish.
6. Insert the toothpick into the polish and mix. To help speed up this process, replace nail polish cap tightly, and shake.
7. Apply your new nail polish, add more glitter or eye shadow depending on the look you want to achieve, name and share!

This process can also be applied to making your own lip gloss, however it would be best to use an all-natural eye shadow in that case. You don’t want to ingest anything that could cause you to get sick, and cosmetics are usually made with harmful ingredients. You can buy all-natural eye shadows at your local supermarket, or ask for them at your favorite cosmetic store. Also, make sure to use a clear lip gloss that has a wand, so it will be easy to mix and stay true to the eye shadow color.

Do not make nail polish with any other type of glitter, you must use polyester. If you try to use another type of glitter you will notice after a few days the glitter will lose its color and become silver. Because of the chemical properties in nail polish, the only glitter that can hold its true luster quality is polyester.

Do it yourself beauty tips are great. They keep our money in our wallets and help us create customized looks and products that fit our personalities better than anything we can find in the store. If you have a neat do it yourself beaut tip, make sure to share it online for everyone to use!

Citations:

• image credit

Author, Gabriella L. encourages you to match your new nail colors to a new bathingsuit from http://www.swimwearplace.com/.

Awesome Things You Can Make Out Of Paper

Paper is an amazingly flexible medium to work with.

Able to be bent into shape at a moment's notice, or rolled into remarkably rigid and strong constructions, it can look attractive with or without designs patterned onto it.

Here are just some of the awesome things you can make with paper...

Tessellating Origami

Image by Joel Cooper.

As you may have noticed from the above image, origami based on tessellation, also known as ‘paper mosaics’, tends to be a tad bit more complex than your typical frog or crane design.

The difference is entirely due to method.

Rather than starting with a design for a fixed pattern that will produce a fixed result, people who work with tessellating origami tend to start from a grid then make symmetrical folds until they end up with something that looks really cool.

Due to its intuitive nature, you can get some truly mind-blowing results...like this dude!


Image by Joel Cooper.

There is no trickery involved here.

This is just paper, folded into the shape of a bearded pharaoh of old.

This is what can be done with tessellating origami - why not give it a go yourself?

Paper Weapons
Paper can be fairly inflexible at times, especially when rolled up on itself into a cube.

People use this attribute to make some impressive weapons, even if they would be (thankfully!) ineffective in a real life situation.

If you're in need of a laugh, check out this video by Professor Ronald Duncan, it involves martial arts with a rolled-up newspaper...

Highlights from the video include Prof Duncan rolling up his newspaper in eager anticipation of delivering a painful-looking shot to a pseudo mugger’s groin as soon as he asks for the time.

This video by Youtube user "Nighthawkinlight" is even more impressive He teaches viewers how to make their very own paper crossbow! But unlike most so-called paper crossbows, which use elastic bands to power the projectile, this design functions like a true crossbow.  The power comes from the arms!

Whole Worlds
You might be interested to know that you can find entire worlds built of beautifully illustrated paper, right here on the internet.

Sure, you have to print, cut and stick them together, but the end results are pretty amazing.
Some of the premium ones, like World Works Games, require you to pay to access their designs, but you should be able to find some free designs on the internet somewhere.

My personal favourite theme is the Deadfall range, set in a Western/Victorian age, but there are all kinds of designs that can get your imagination fired up, if nothing else.

Despite all the bizarre weapons and weird worlds you can make out of paper, I think I’m still most impressed by the tessellating origami art of Joel Cooper. I've genuinely never seen anything made of paper on the same level as this.

What about you?

Have you seen paper designs even more awesome than the ones shown here?

Blensfarnt Spundunkler writes blog posts for Cartridge Shop and constructs elaborate mazes made from bendy straws for ants to fight in. He concentrates mostly on the blog posts though.

Tablecloths, Illusion and Telepathy: Why Scientists Make the Best Magicians

Image by: trialsanderrors

It’s magic, and science?
Ask most people what magic is and they’ll probably answer that it’s something ‘impossible’ or ‘unanswerable’ - anything that can’t be explained rationally.

Then, ask the same person what they understand by ‘science’ and they’ll answer completely differently, describing it as rational thought and reasoning- a way of understanding the world based on observation and research.

How could the two be compatible?

Interestingly, many of the world’s most iconic magic tricks are entirely based around science. Here’s how.

The Tablecloth Trick
Picture a banquet table laden with cutlery, bowls and candles. Could you whip out the tablecloth without disturbing the items on top?

Although it seems baffling, Newton’s First Law of Motion explains the whole trick.

It works according to the principle of ‘inertia’, described by Newton as the tendency for an object to remain at rest until a force acts directly upon it.

When a magician quickly yanks the tablecloth he is relying on the principle of inertia to keep the objects in place.

The swift motion is key to this trick; any slower and the items would move too far, causing them to fall over.
The tablecloth you use also makes a difference- slippery surfaces are best!

Why not try it yourself by experimenting with different tablecloths? (Plastic wipe clean tablecloths recommended!).

Understanding a Magician’s Illusions
In a recent interview, Teller, a famous magician, revealed how scientific research helps him to understand why people fall for visual illusions.      

He says that "at the core of every trick is a cold, cognitive experiment in perception."

Magic and illusion are based on a scientific understanding of the way people perceive things. By manipulating perception, we can alter people’s understanding of what’s ‘real’ and what’s not.

The popular Balducci Levitation trick is a prime example of this. When it comes down to it, this illusion is caused by two things: the magician’s angle in relation to the audience and the precise positioning of his feet.

It’s all about perception, angles and precision!

Telepathy and Hypnosis: The Scientific Study of the Mind
Derren Brown is well known for his mindreading and hypnotic capabilities.

When watching him, it is easy to assume that he possesses baffling psychic or paranormal abilities. But Brown himself has frequently reiterated how he has no such abilities. In fact, he is a complete sceptic.

Brown’s success is due to his deep knowledge of human psychology and understanding of how to predict and influence people’s thoughts via suggestion and manipulation. He has also studied how to read physical clues provided by body language to determine what someone is thinking.

Magic Explained
Rather than being impossible masters of the unexplainable, magicians draw on rational, scientific principles. They are thus scientists, but with a unique mission.

It’s not their aim to make the world clearer and simpler. Rather, magicians aim to captivate their audience’s imagination and to recreate a sense of wonder.

Think that there are certain magic tricks that can’t be explained by science? Challenge me below.

Amalia Dempsey writes for Wipe Easy Tablecloths, leading supplier of colourful and attractive wipe clean tablecloths. Interested in learning how to perform the perfect tablecloth trick? Oddly enough, just a little bit of science might make the whole thing a lot easier.

Indoor Water Features and the Art of Feng Shui

When it comes to arranging their homes, people all over the world turn to Feng Shui. Feng Shui is a Chinese art dating back thousands of years, and is based on balancing the energy, or “Chi”, within a space so that it promotes good fortune for its inhabitants. One great way to use Feng Shui in your home is to incorporate indoor water features.

About Feng Shui 
In English, Feng Shui translates to “Wind” and “water”. These elements, in traditional Chinese culture, relate to good health. Thus, when the principles of Feng Shui are applied properly, good luck will follow.

An important part of Feng Shui is the “Five Elements” – water, wood, earth, metal, and fire. These elements interact with each other in cycles that represent certain aspects of life and the natural world. Proper placement of these elements in your home encourages positive chi (energy).

Water is one of the most important elements. According to Feng Shui, when water is placed and moving in the right direction, it brings wealth, prosperity, harmony and health. Flowing water is especially beneficial - it mimics the movement water in nature, which produces harmonious chi.

Feng Shui and Indoor Water Features
An excellent way to incorporate the water element of Feng Shui in your home’s interior design is by using features such as indoor fountains. There are a variety to choose from, depending on your preferences. Tabletop fountains can be easily used in, or relocated to, any room of the house. Indoor wall fountains or freestanding floor fountains provide an interesting design element, and mimic flowing bodies of water such as waterfalls that are found in nature. You can even combine one of these fountains with a small pool; the more your features resemble naturally occurring water, the more harmonious your home’s chi will be.

Placement of Indoor Water Features
Where you place your indoor water features, both within the house and within the room, produces a variety of effects through Feng Shui. Of course, you’ll want to have an arrangement that creates a positive flow of energy. You can also use different placements to encourage different positive results:

• Good marriage: Southwest
• Wealth and luck: Southeast
• Career success: North
• Educational success: Northeast
• Good friendships: West
• Good health and family relationships: East

There are several placements to avoid, since they create a negative flow of energy and bring inauspicious consequences. Feng Shui advisors say never to place indoor water features in the bedroom, as this promotes worry. You should also never place your features directly south, as this is where fire should be, and fire and water conflict with each other.

Feng Shui Factors to Consider
Adding other design elements to your indoor water features brings additional benefits. Incorporating lights or adding floating candles to the pool of your fountain brings you life, happiness, and positive thoughts from others. Placing a mirror behind your features expands your home’s chi. Incorporating heavy items such as stones or pebbles retains positive chi. Features that incorporate wood also produce positive energy, since water is necessary for wood to grow in nature.

The shape of your indoor fountain should be considered, as well. Feng Shui advisors recommend that fountains be round in shape, or have rounded corners. The larger the size of the fountain, the more effective it will be at producing positive energy. Square fountains should be placed in the corners of rooms, while round ones should go in the center. Rectangular fountains should be avoided.

When using Feng Shui for your interior design, incorporate indoor water features. With all the options to choose from, you can find the elements that are right for you and your home.

Polly Godwin is the owner of IndoorFountains.com, a company specializing in indoor water fountains and home décor.

16 Simple Tools Everyone Should Have (Plus Some Extras)

Comedian Tim Allen made a career and a hit TV sit-com out of the common male fascination with tools.  He succeeded because, as Sid Cesar put it, “Comedy has to be based on truth. You take the truth and you put a little curlicue at the end.”

 All joking aside, it is true that many men, and women, have great fondness and affection for the tools that enable us to get work done and we do have a tendency to go overboard sometimes. When it comes to home remodeling and maintenance, having the right tools is critical to getting the job done properly. The question is do we all need the biggest, baddest power tools in our workshops?

 The answer ... maybe. That’s for each individual to decide. But today, tool rental businesses can provide just about any tool you might need for a specific job at a reasonable rate, which means the average handyman can save on capital expenditures for tools and the cost of getting any project done.

 Still, there are certain necessities when it comes to stocking the home tool box and workbench. If you have all the tools on the list that follows, you will be prepared to tackle all those little maintenance chores around the house and have the basic tools you will need to carry out most home remodeling projects. You might call this a list of the tools every man (or woman) should have:

The Bare Essential Tools:
●      Hammer(s) — Get two, you will always be leaving one lying around and it will get moved and probably wind up buried on a closet shelf. 
●      Screwdrivers — A good hand set that includes varied sizes and bits for different types of jobs.
●      Rubber Mallet — Just for those jobs where a regular hammer is not quite right for the task.
●      Battery-Powered Driver/Drill — With full bit set and a back up battery.
●      Socket Wrench Set — This should include metric and U.S. sizes and a spark plug wrench.
●      Adjustable Wrenches — Have a good variety of sizes and make sure to get a couple designed specifically for plumbing work.
●      Vise Grips — If it needs to be squeezed harder than your hands can manage, vise grips can do it.

●      Pliers — A standard, an adjustable, and a needle nose.
●      Stand-alone Flashlight — For under the sink, under the car or any dark, tight place.
●      Hand Saws — A hack saw for metal and one for wood.
●      Tape Measure — Remember, measure twice and cut once.
●      Pry Bar — This is a true multipurpose tool.

●      Carpenter’s Square — Getting those cuts right is easy.
●      Levels — A three-footer will help - a laser level is divine for picture hanging.
●      Stud Finder — Essential for hanging anything heavier than a couple of pounds.
●      Duct Tape! — Yes, it’s useful everywhere.
Also Very Handy:
●      Sanding Block — With variety of sand papers from fine to coarse grains.
●      Paint Brushes — Again, a variety is always good to have. Rollers, too.
●      Mixing Buckets — Two or three, including a small one.
●      Trowels and Scrapers — You’ll find plenty of uses for these when patching and painting.

●      Wire Cutter/Stripper — Makes electronics work easy - some pliers have this built in.
●      Punch Set — These are always handy for poking holes, setting nails and who knows what.
●      Caulking Gun — Pop in the kind of sealer you need and go-- from bathtub, to windows, to painting prep and even mortar repair.
●      Clamps — Aids in gluing projects of all kinds.
●      Tool Box and/or Tool Belt — Once you have a number of items, or you’ve got them scattered all over your work site, you’ll wonder why you don’t have one already.

The Extras (to Buy Only as You Need Them):

●      Sledge Hammer — When you really have to knock the daylights out of something.
●      Chisels — Have two or three sizes on hand.

●      Power Sander — Very helpful when you get into larger projects that need a lot of surface prep for painting or refinishing.
●      Heavy Duty Staple Gun — Ideal for outdoor decorations, holding wires in place.

●      Circular Saw — With standard blades. You can always get speciality blades as you need them.

●      Reciprocating Saw — A very handy tool for cutting holes in drywall, cutting off nail heads, etc.

●      Shop Vac — All this work you’re doing makes a mess. Time to clean it up!
●      Peg Board, Hooks and Furring Strips — Once you accumulate some tools, it’s best to keep them handy with a simple wall-mounted organizer. Since you already have some tools, installing it is a piece of cake!

 If you have all these tools on hand, you can tackle just about any home repair or improvement project from hanging pictures to patching holes in walls to building a deck. You will find that over time, you will add to the collection or upgrade your tools.

 The point is that if your goal is to save money and be able to do much of the work around your home on your own, getting your workbench stocked with these basic tools is essential. All the tools on this list can be purchased at just about any neighborhood hardware dealer or home supply store.

Image courtesy http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/12782

Ed Mostella is a DIYer and manufacturing tools expert, Ed enjoys helping people work safely and effectively. He specializes in training on the torque wrench and air screwdriver.

Creative Uses for Wallpaper

If you have ever used wallpaper within your house, or even someone else's house, then you know there is almost always too much of it. It doesn't matter how well you measured it, how careful you were to try and get the right amount, or how sure you were that you got the right measurements; there will be leftovers. Ordinarily this extra wallpaper just gets thrown out. Perhaps people think that it is a waste but that there is nothing that can be done with this extra wallpaper. Fortunately, this is not true. In fact, there are many creative uses for the leftover wallpaper. Below are 10 uses for extra wallpaper that are both simple and elegant.

1) Cover your light switch plates in wallpaper. This is very simple, but also adds a nice touch to the room. It can be done with either the same wallpaper that is in the room, or with complimentary wallpaper.

2) Use wallpaper to decorate the outside of trash bins. By matching the trash basket to the room it looks like less of an eye sore, but at the same time allows it to maintain its functionality. There are lots of expensive trash cans for sale, but by using wallpaper you can accomplish the same task while saving a good deal of money.

3) Decorate your cabinets with leftover wallpaper. Again, this is one where using the same wallpaper or different wallpaper would both work. The insides of cabinets are one of the most overlooked areas of a house for decoration, which does not make sense. It's an area that is frequently looked at by guests when they want to get a drink or some food. By pasting some leftover wallpaper into the insides of the cabinet it adds a subtle style to the house without being overly showy.

4) Use extra wallpaper as gift wrap. Gift wrap is one of those household items that is always in needed, and never seems to be there when you need it. The next time you are frantically looking for some wrapping paper to mail that gift you somewhat forgot about, don't rush out to the store and buy wrapping paper. Instead, grab some of the old wallpaper sitting idly in the closet and use that.

5) Turn leftover wallpaper into artwork. This is one of the more popular trends among designers working on a budget today. Cut out pieces of the wallpaper that you like and then add it to a simple frame. This can be done with multiple different wallpapers as well. Once all the wallpaper is framed, simply hang it on a wall that you believe will be complimented by the selected wallpapers.

6) Create book covers with extra wallpaper. This is especially relevant for those with younger children. Teachers often require that they add book covers to their textbooks. Instead of going out and buying these covers, they can be created with leftover wallpaper. Both saving money, and looking better than most of the ones that can be purchased.

7) Use wallpaper to cover the inside of a bookcase or display case. By pasting some wallpaper to the inside of the display or book case it allows a subtle background that can emphasize and compliment the contents of the case. The only tricky part is ensuring that whatever wallpaper you decide to use for the backdrop of the case matches and compliments what will be displayed. To ensure that this happens make sure to hold it up inside the case before doing anything permanent.

8) Put extra wallpaper under the glass of a coffee table. This allows for a more interesting looking coffee table and it can be changed out. Simply lift the class, insert the properly cut piece of wallpaper, and put the glass back down.

9) Cover the outside of storage boxes around the house with wallpaper. Instead of having plain looking storage boxes sitting around the house, decorate them with interesting wallpaper.

10) Cut out place-mat sized pieces of wall paper and laminate them. Once they are laminated they make for excellent place-mats. They can be both formal and informal depending on what wallpaper is used. It saves money, and allows for more variety.

Pete Wise works with Discount Decorating as a Content Marketer. DDO has one of the largest selections of Wallpaper anywhere on the web, and their matching Wallpaper Borders are some of the most affordable around. If you liked the article, check out Pete's Twitter: @MySEOHeadache

DIY Project: Discovering Terrariums

If you’re short on garden space but still have the urge to foster some sort of plant life, consider creating a terrarium. A terrarium is a small, low-maintenance garden in a jar. They’re easy to make, and after they’ve been established, you barely have to take care of it; just watch it grow. The best part about a terrarium is that it can thrive anywhere as long as there’s sunlight, so you could even live in a wide open community like Vale and still enjoy a terrarium.

What you’ll need
To make a terrarium, all you’ll need is a clear, lidded jar, some small stones or pebbles, charcoal, potting mix, moss, some decorations, and a spray mist bottle. Most of these materials can be found around the home, in the yard, or in a park. You could also pick these items up from a nursery, if foraging isn’t your thing.

The process
Start by putting a layer of small stones in the bottom of your jar. This will provide a base for your terrarium, and also help with draining any excess moisture from the plants. The layer of rocks should be roughly two centimetres high, and you should use a mixture of big and small rocks to ensure good drainage.

Next, add a layer of charcoal combined with potting soil to the jar. The charcoal is to prevent the soil from going sour. It’s best to use good-quality potting soil that has been sterilised, because homemade, unsterilised mixtures often contain fungi and algae, which could spoil the terrarium.

Add the moss or other plants of your choice to the jar. Most plants are ideal for terrariums, but it’s best to choose moisture-loving houseplants. If you plan on putting more than one type of plant in your terrarium, make sure they have similar light, temperature and water requirements for better results. Moss is easy to take care of, and only requires a few sprays from your mist bottle every 2-3 weeks. They don’t need much water, as plants tend to recycle moisture.

Extra tips
You can decorate your terrarium with small figurines or other pretty things, depending on the size of your jar. Make sure you keep your terrarium close to indirect sunlight, and rotate it every so often, so that all sides get the same exposure. The soil should be moist at all times, so if it looks or feels a little dry, just give it a spray with the mister. Other than that, sit back and enjoy your terrarium!

Sarah Paige is an interior design and DIY enthusiast who loves decorating her Vale home with her latest projects and creations.

Craftsy Crafting ~ Daily Deals~!!

Craftsy is the fastest growing online community for Crafters - with over 500,000 monthly unique visitors, having just launched in May 2011. This rapid growth results from two primary offerings which Craftsy users love: 

1) Terrific online classes from amazing instructors for beginning, intermediate and advanced quilters, knitters, crocheters, sewists, jewelry makers, and other crafters. 

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BOOK REVIEW: So You Thought You Couldn't Cut It by Jim Calder

So You Thought You Couldn't Cut It:  A Beginner's Guide to Wood Carving

Author:  Jim Calder and Jen Coate
Paperback:  101 pages
Publisher:  Community Voice Media LLC (September 1, 2011)

Master Carver, Jim Calder brings wood carving to life for kids and adults with step-by-step instructions and detailed photographs showing how to turn a simple sweet potato into a whimsical wizard in seven easy steps.  Parents and kids are fascinated by the easy to learn process that is fun for the whole family.

Beautifully documented photos by D.W. Maiden,  accompany this easy to read and understand guide to wood carving.

Jim Calder instructs children through the pages on the art of wood carving by having them practice their skills on sweet potatoes, a much easier medium to work with for beginners.

Each step is precisely illustrated with each step given underneath each photo as well as inspirational quotes and tips from Calder himself.

I thought this was a gorgeously depicted book with a wealth of information on how to learn the basics on wood carving.  I didn't practice the instructions, for I lack the necessary equipment, but my mind could easily comprehend the steps needed in order to create a work of art.

The photos are gorgeous, beautiful in colour and clarity and help enhance the overall quality of the book.  There are works of Jim's art shared, some of the loveliest wood carvings you can imagine, this man is definitely gifted.

I would give So You Thought You Couldn't Cut It a four out of five stars.  While I thought it was wonderful, a little bit more detail could've been given to more trusted sources of information for those who pick up this book and wish to continue beyond it.

**  Reviewed by me...as I see it~!!  **

DecManda Nail Designs ~ It's All Smurfed Up~!!

My daughter has been revving up some fashion addicting attitudes around her hood...check it out~!!

THE SMURF COLLECTION~!!

Stop and Smell the Coconut Palms

Have you ever heard the phrase "Stop and smell the roses." This well-known proverb means just what it says. Sometimes we all need to stop and take a moment to take in our surroundings and appreciate the natural beauty that is all around us. For residents of Phuket City, this probably should be transformed slightly to "Stop and smell the coconut palms."

Coconut Palms And Phuket City
The coconut palm is synonymous with Phuket City, and yet how many times do you actually take the time to appreciate them for what they are? These beautiful specimens spotlight the Phuket City landscape. You can't go anywhere without seeing one. They are so common that we almost can't help but ignore them. However, if you really stop and take a moment to look, they are actually quite beautiful. Just try to imagine Phuket City without them. It would be like an alien world, devoid of that one thing that makes it complete and whole. Coconut palms represent Phuket City majestically, and they deserve to be appreciated.



Fruitfulness of Coconut Palms
One of the greatest things about the coconut palm is that it is not limited to just one variety. Phuket City harbors many types, from the true coconut palm, complete with everyone's favorite island fruit, to the Royal Palms that spotlight the roads of Phuket City, giving it an elegance that only they could provide. They set the tone for the island and act as an instant ambassador to visitors to the city. Anyone that visits Phuket will no doubt remember the palms as the first thing that struck them about it. Then there are others, like the betel nut palm. The fruit of these has a mild narcotic effect on the imbiber, making it popular for other than aesthetic reasons. However, they are quite pretty to look at and will grow just as easily as their other palm tree family members.

The Hidden Beauty of Coconut Palms
From a gardening standpoint, coconut palms are a marvelous creation. These specimens are fighters. They can grow almost anywhere with minimal supervision. Getting a coconut palm going is as simple as finding a coconut with a green shoot pointing out of it. You put it in the ground with the shoot sticking up. Give it a little love by watering it regularly and in a few weeks, you will have a coconut tree of your own. Few trees require less work or are more resilient.

The Palm’s Family
The Royal Palm is the coconut palm's big brother, but it shares its gardener-friendly nature. You can easily grow your own Royal Palm in the ground or in a pot. If you do decide to go the pot route, make sure you choose a big one, because Royal Palms have strong roots and will outgrow smaller pots. If you don't realize it in time and transfer it to a bigger pot, expect the roots to easily snap your pot in two. The ground is probably your best bet if you aren't willing to find new and creative ways to move your Royal Palm to a new potted home. If a potted palm is your wish, you may want to consider a Golden Cane Palm. These are more pot-friendly and only grow to be two or three meters tall. This makes them an excellent choice for a small balcony or terrace.

In Phuket, it's hard to take a few steps without running into a coconut palm or one of its brothers and sisters, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take notice when you do. Don't miss out on one of Phuket City's natural wonders. Always remember to take that extra second from time to time to take a deep breath and stop and smell the coconut palms.

This guest post was brought to you by Bonsai Tree Gardener. Come visit our website for in-depth information on bonsai trees, bonsai tools and accessories. We will be posting weekly content on our website on various bonsai tree types and other related information for you to get started with your own bonsai.