#Giveaway ~ $150 Wall Decals GC from Evgie.com ~ Open to Canada & US ~ Ends July 3rd~!!

Evgie and Ev are the expertise in digital illustration, interior decoration and wall decals design behind Evgie.com. They grew up drawing from early childhood and loved it so much it became their profession. EVGIE Studio was started in 2010 and pretty soon became a full time career.

Wall decals are easy to apply, easy to remove, easy to tailor to a specific wall or surface. It is very easy with the wall decals to take a plain unexciting room and transform it into a jungle or safari, forest or friendly animals, outer space or the ocean. We all want these rooms for our little ones to spark their imaginations. Evgie.com helps to make the decorating easy, fun, and simple!

They offer handmade large and small vinyl wall stickers with designs and ideas for kids’ and grown-up’s rooms. So if you would like to make your living room have a custom family photo tree.......you can! EVGIE Studio also specializes in producing customized wall decal designs. They will create a personal design just for you that reflects the ideas you have in mind. They will tailor it to fit your unique space!

Right now you can also grab FREE shipping in the US and Canada using the code: FreeSHP

One lucky person will receive $150 Credit to Evgie.com

You can also find EVGIE on Etsy

This giveaway is hosted by Baby Costcutters and Giveaway Booster

Giveaway ends July 3, 2013, at 11:59pm, open to US and Canada residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. MAD MOOSE MAMA is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This event was organized by Baby Costcutters and Giveaway Booster please contact tina@babycostcutters.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Low~Maintenance Plants for Shady Areas~!!

If your looking to add some beautiful colour and flavour to your garden's shadier areas, then these five plants are sure to help out with your gardening woes~!!

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum')

The beautifully coloured, low~lying plants grow between 30 ~ 60 cm high and wide.  They have deep burgundy leaf stems with olive~green arching fronds which are lit with silver.  Every single plant has its own unique design and colours.

This plant was originally native to Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan and does well in zones 4 to 9.

Because of its ever~changing colour forms, it is best as an accent for edging and works well in all shaded areas.

Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum comutatum)

These beauties like dry shade and are very elegant and graceful in their design.  

They grow up to 60 to 70 cm and work best in zones 3 to 9.

In late Spring, white bell~like flowers bloom and are self~cleaning and will drop off on their own.  

This plant spreads out slowly, creating a blanket of foliage that turns golden yellow in the Fall.

Epimedium (Red ~ rubrum, Yellow ~ suphureum and White ~ niveum)

This plant loves shade and it is a dependable ground cover plant.  Works best in any shade.

Flowers come in white, pink and yellow and bloom from May to June.

It is slow~growing, consistent and can live forever.

Typically grow about 20~25 cm high with a 15~30 cm spread in zones 4 to 9.

Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)

These ornamental focal points provide interest year round to any garden.

The exfoliating bark comes in shades of cinnamon red and brown, peels in thin sheets and looks polished smooth in others.  

In early Spring, small yellow flowers bloom.  

Ideal for city lots and as an understory tree.  Slow growing, climbing up to 7m which could take up to 50 years to complete.

Require little pruning and is insect resistant.  It can be planted in full sun to partial shade.  

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Very versatile plant in that it can survive in extreme heat and cold, as well as, soil lacking nutrients and in the deep shade beneath trees.

Grows to 30 ~ 60 cm high and wides.  Has rounded clump of fan~shaped fronds with light green lacey leaves on purple~black stems.

They have a natural water~repellent and even when immersed in water, the leaves remain dry.

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.

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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

Skin Ink: Where do Tattoos Come From?

Tattoos of stars, tribal shapes, ships and swallows; contemporary tattoos are everywhere, cults have even built up around them.

From Goth and Emo to Ladettes and Skaters, tattoos have spread across many various British scenes, and seem prevalent across a diverse array of cultures from Polynesian to European.

But where does the practise actually originate, and do the common symbols used for tattoos actually mean?

Image: Oliver Kvlt


Ancient Customs
The practise of tattooing has ancient historical roots, emerging as a method of skin marking over 5,000 years ago.

Due to the positioning of tattoos found on a Bronze Age mummy, it seems they were originally applied for therapeutic reasons.

Purely decorative tattoos emerged some time later, as shown by 2, 5000 year old mummies found in Russia. Animals, magical creatures and mythological beings became common symbols and are thought to have had spiritual significance.

Some ancient Egyptian mummies are marked with geometric tattoos that were probably applied for ceremonial or ritualistic reasons.   It was from the vast Egyptian empire that the art of tattooing spread across the world to Asia and Polynesia.

Tribal tattoos originate from these areas. Intricate patterns and lines on the body and face were common throughout Polynesia and denoted status as well as having spiritual significance.

Many of the tribal designs we see today are modifications of Polynesian and Maori tattoos that were prevalent in the nineteenth century.

Explorers and Sailors
Tattooing in Europe got lost in Europe until the golden age of exploration when captains and sailors, including Captain Cook, visited Polynesian islands and Asia and rediscovered it. They reported to have seen ‘natives’ decorated in intricate patterns. Cook is the first European to have used the word ‘tattoo’ in a report of 1769.

Tattoos became popular amongst the English gentry and aristocracy in the following generations, and even the men of the royal family were decorated!

Sailors began acquiring tattoos on their voyages to distant lands to show where they had travelled and how far.

The traditions then evolved to incorporate the popular symbols that we associate with vintage tattoos today. Seafaring was such a dangerous profession that many superstitions built up around it, and symbolic tattoos were thought to have great meaning and protective qualities.


Image: Oliver Kvlt

Star: The star was a popular sailor tattoo and symbolised the North Star. Sailors believed that it would help to guide them home.

Swallow: Each swallow indicated that a sailor had travelled 5,000 miles.

HOLD FAST was tattooed on knuckles to remind sailors to hold tightly to the rope.

Pig and Rooster: These animals were tattooed on a sailor’s foot and were believed to protect against drowning.

Anchor: A symbol to show that a sailor is in the merchant marines.

Dragon:  An indication that a sailor had travelled to China or Japan, where tattooing had developed into a respected art form.

Criminals and Gangs
In the twentieth century, tattoos became popular with gangs and criminals to denote loyalty and affiliation. Amongst prisoners, tattoos became a way to mark out individuality and to show how much time they had served.  

A spider’s web is a common example of a prisoners tattoo.

Circus
Tattooed individuals became common aspects of circus freak shows.

Show folk thus began the tradition of getting tattoos and the phenomenon of ‘painted ladies’ emerged.

Designs then moved away from sailor symbols to decorative images such as feathers, animals, patriotic motifs and flowers.

Today we get all kinds of things tattooed on to us, what’s the most bizarre tattoo you’ve ever seen?

Anne Standing writes blog posts for Cartridge Shop and she has a particular interest in art, printing and tattoos. 

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

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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.

Pros and Cons of Shower Curtains and Bath Shower Screens

Installing a shower over the bath has always proven to be an excellent use of space in smaller bathrooms, especially those with young children who need a bath. Shower curtains have been used for the longest time to prevent shower water from splashing outside the bath and general wet area. Nowadays though there is a wide variety of bath shower screens available but the question is whether they're worth installing. Let's consider the benefits and disadvantages of shower curtains versus bath shower screens.

Shower Curtains
Firstly let's look at the pros and cons of the tried and true shower curtain.

Pros

• Most shower curtains are very affordable, making them a viable option for every household.
• To install a shower curtain is super easy. It's just a matter of attaching the shower curtain hooks to the curtain and then placing the hooks over the shower rail.
• These days there are many different shower curtains to choose from. With so many beautiful fabrics and patterns it's easy to find something that will make a lovely style statement in your bathroom.
• Whenever you grow tired of your shower curtain it's easy to take it down and put up a new one.
• Shower curtains are effective at keeping shower water from spraying onto the walls and floor of your bathroom.

Cons

• One of the most problematic issues with shower curtains is that they can become grubby quickly and even grow mould before your very eyes. A wet curtain sitting against a bath for long periods is not going to help the grime factor.
• Many shower curtains can be washed in the machine but taking it down and up often is not likely to be a fun thing to do. All in all, shower curtains are quite problematic when it comes to keeping them clean.
• Shower curtains can also make a room feel smaller by creating a wall around the bath.
• Generally, shower curtains make bathrooms look out of date.

Bath Shower Screens
Now it's time to consider the pros and cons of bath shower screens.

Pros

• A bath shower screen instantly modernizes the bathroom simply because of the clean lines, sharp edges and up to date shapes.
• Clear glass screens make the room look larger, giving a feeling of spaciousness. When we don't feel we're in a tight space it's easier to relax and enjoy it.
• Bath screens are effective at preventing water from splashing onto dry areas.
• Shower screens are easy to keep clean, and who wouldn't want to start their day in a sparkling clean bathroom.
• You can choose from many different options including bi-fold or sliding screens, framed or frameless screens and even oval screens should you so desire. With such a wide variety of bath screens available, it's easy to find something that will fit perfectly into your space. 
• Screens last for a long time and can give an up to date look for years when simple designs are chosen.
• Bath screens can increase the value of your property.

Cons

• The investment required for some shower screens to be purchased and fitted is certainly more than the cost of a simple shower curtain.

As you can probably gather, the main advantage of a shower curtain versus a bath shower screen is that the curtain costs a lot less. However, it's important to remember that our bathroom can be a place of respite, a room in our home where we should be able to retreat to and rejuvenate. An impressive oval bath shower screen goes a long way toward adding that touch of luxury we all deserve and will always outshine a shower curtain when it comes to that feeling of pampering and relaxation. Other then the initial investment of a bath screen, there really is no other reason not to invest in one, in fact in our book, bath shower screens win hands down over the old fashioned shower curtain. And remember, we all deserve to indulge regularly and what better place than in a bath shower with a beautiful screen.

Tauseef Hussain is an interior decorator and social media blogger for Bathroom Suites, the online shop for Bath Shower Screens fixtures (for UK citizens).

12 Home Improvements to make in 2012

At this time of year there is much talk of ‘new year’s resolutions’ when people make grand plans to start over and make some sort of lifestyle change for the new year. However, instead of setting wildly unrealistic lifestyle goals it could be an idea to make 2012 a year of home improvements with the goal of having a home that looks finished, presentable and well maintained by the end of the year. Such improvements may include the following:

1. Fix problematic doors – almost every home has at least one problematic door that does not shut properly or drags along the carpet. Oak doors and other high quality wooden doors can easily be adjusted.
2. Touch up walls – with the passage of time interior walls get chipped, scratched and marked but this can be quickly rectified with paint touch ups.
3. Replace discoloured fittings – white fittings such as plug sockets and light switches fade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight.
4. Repair damage to hard surfaces – hard materials found in kitchen worktops and fireplace surrounds can easily become chipped and scratched. Repair offers a cost effective alternative to replacement.
5. Replace damaged skirting boards – even oak skirting boards can be damaged due to their low position in the room. Replacing cracked and damaged skirting boards can restore a room to its former beauty.
6. Oil door handles – squeaky door hands can be exceptionally irritating and the problem is very rarely remedied. Simply oiling squeaky door handles is a quick and effective solution.
7. Replace missing light bulbs – many homes feature light bulbs that have come to the end of their lives or are simply missing. Replacing such light bulbs can improve the look of a home very simply.
8. Tidy away cables – electric cables are unsightly, yet they feature more and more in the home. By using cable clips, beading or plastic tubing such cables can be removed from sight and restore the appearance of the room.
9. Remove mould – mould is a persistent problem in most homes in the bathroom and perhaps even around window frames. However, killing mould can bring some relief and significant improve the cleanliness of the home.
10. Repair damaged furniture and fittings – furniture in particular can be easily damaged. For example a rung could become dislodged from its fitting. A quick repair will ensure the home appears well kept.
11. Polish wooden surfaces – while dusting wooden surfaces will ensure their cleanliness, polish will transform the appearance of any wooden surface and protect the wood from minor damage.
12. Bleed the radiators – a quick and simple task that will significantly improve the efficiency of the radiators in the home. 

The above ideas and many others will assist the homeowner in ensuring that 2012 is a good year for home improvements. By following these suggestions among others the end result will be a home that is well kept and well maintained and therefore exceptionally attractive to residents and guests alike.

This article was written by Crispin Jones on behalf of UK Oak Doors; suppliers of high quality oak doors and oak skirting boards.  After putting it off for many months, Crispin is choosing to make over his home in 2012.

What to Do if You Find Asbestos While Doing DIY

Asbestos is a type of fibrous material which was commonly used in construction in the late 19th century. It is made of naturally occurring silicate minerals, and the material was very desirable in construction because it is resistant to fire and heat, and also to electrical and chemical damage. It also has excellent sound absorption and insulation properties.

Unfortunately, the inhalation of the tiny fibers within this material has been linked to many serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis which is a specific type of pneumoconiosis. Since these health repercussions were revealed, the European Union has banned the use of asbestos in all construction projects.

Is There Asbestos in My Home?
During the period of time from 1930 until 1980, asbestos was widely used in most building projects, so if your house or flat was built or renovated during these years it might contain asbestos. If the home was built after 1993, most asbestos products will have been banned and it is unlikely to contain the material.

Where Will I Find It?
If there is asbestos in your home, it will likely be in one of these types of materials:

• Insulating board (found in ceiling tiles, walls, and partitions)
• Asbestos lagging (used for insulation of pipes and boilers)
• Asbestos Cement (used in guttering, drainpipes, and as cladding for sheds)
• Decorative plasters and textured paints
• Heating appliances and domestic equipment such as oven gloves, ironing boards, etc.

How Can I Tell if Something Contains Asbestos?
The first step is to check the label. If it was manufactured after 1976, it will be identified on the label as containing asbestos. If you cannot find a label, call the supplier or the manufacturer and ask them about the specific product. You can also contact the Council’s Environmental Health Department.

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What Should I Do If I Find Asbestos in My Home?
If the asbestos materials that you have found are in good condition and are not at risk of being damaged, they might be best left where they are. Removing them could result in much higher levels of asbestos fibres in the air. However, it is important to keep checking on the condition of these asbestos products in case they become damaged and start to release their fibres. If you will be performing a home renovation, always inform the builders before they start work that there is asbestos in the home so that they can take the necessary safety precautions. If you are doing the work yourself, do not drill, sand, or cut the asbestos material unless absolutely necessary. Wear a dust mask to avoid breathing in the dust. To dispose of any asbestos material, wet it and place it in a strong plastic bag, sealed tightly and labelled “Asbestos”. Take these bags to your Household Waste Depot, and wash all clothing straight away in a washing machine separate from any other clothes.

 Never try to do the work yourself if it involves sprayed asbestos, lagging or insulating boards. There are a few ways of dealing with these asbestos materials. The first is to spray them with a specialist sealant which will enclose the material. However, if the asbestos material is too damaged you will need to remove it. You should contact a contractor with an approved license from the government, who will know the proper regulations for ensuring that the asbestos is completely and safely removed. If the material was performing a function such as a fire-retardant, you will need to replace it with a safer alternative.

Take extra care to protect yourself against the dangers of asbestos when performing home renovations!

This content was produced by Simon Grant on behalf of asbestos claim solicitors Access Legal.

7 Tips to Baking Fabulous Cakes

In today's age, it seems like baking cakes is a lost art. There are so many things to do, that baking cakes may seem like a lost art. It is extremely easy to just pick up a cake at the store. However, if you want your cakes to mean more than just a trip to the store, you should make your cakes. You don't have to make them from scratch, but you can start making your own cakes. This is a great way to start a new hobby! If you want to start baking your own cakes, here are some tips to baking cakes. 

1. Make sure to follow instructions. Even though you might feel that you don't have to look at the instructions―think again. There are many things that you might miss if you don't read the directions. Your cakes will turn out better if you look at the directions―and follow them!

2. Read over the recipe before you make it. Make sure that you have everything that you need to be able to make the cake. You want to make sure that you have enough time to finish the cake.

3. Go to the store to get the things that you need. Don't skimp on the ingredients that you need. It is important to read over what you need so that you can determine what you have to get when you go to the store. You might be lucky and you won't have to pick up anything!

4. Get a handheld electric whisk. If you are going to start baking a lot, make sure that you buy a handheld electric whisk. This will help you make your cakes fluffier, and it won't take as much time to mix all of the ingredients.

5. Make sure to flour and butter the cake pans that you will use. If you don't want your cakes to stick the tins, you need to make sure that you butter the cake pans. This is a great idea so you don't ruin your cakes.

6. Make sure that you get to know your oven. Sometimes ovens can be temperamental. Make sure that you know that how your oven works. It's a good idea to know how long it takes to bake cakes.

7. Know how to check if your cake is done. One of the easiest ways to tell if your cake is done, you just need to stick a toothpick in the cake. If it is clean when you pull it out, the cake is done!

Good luck baking your cakes!

About the Author
Jesse Marsh is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers will help you find the greatest online colleges for you. 

Fun and Creative Wedding Themes

While traditional weddings are beautiful in every way, there is something magical about having a wedding with a creative theme. Whether as a guest or a member of the entourage, you are whisked away even for a few hours into a different world where you can lose yourself and simply enjoy. If you are mulling over having a wedding with a creative theme, here are some examples you can consider and choose from to help you prepare for the wedding of your dreams:

1. Vintage or Victorian Wedding. This is the perfect choice for the old-fashioned or classic bride. Intricate lace, antique decor and floral designs are all fitting for a Victorian or vintage wedding. Muted colors, lace and pearls should be used generously within the venue and jazz and swing should be kept playing in the background during the reception.

2. Garden Wedding. If the time of year and the weather are right, a garden wedding can truly be one of the most beautiful wedding themes. Flowers and an abundance of butterflies and birds are ideal for a garden wedding. If the reception is at night, glowing table lanterns would be a wonderful touch for use as a centrepiece. It is essential that the caterer you will be hiring has had experience with outdoor weddings. Some heat-sensitive foods such as those prepared with mayonnaise will not do well in a garden wedding.

3. 80’s Wedding. If you grew up in the 80’s and want your wedding to be an unforgettable one for you and your guests alike, then this is the way to go. Deck everything in 80’s style. Try to rent a DeLorean for your wedding car and dress your groomsmen up in pastel colored jackets with the sleeves rolled up all the way to the elbow. Via the invitations, encourage your guests to come in 80’s themed attire as well. This means bleached and torn up jeans, neon legwarmers, and big gold chains and sunglasses.

4. Royal Wedding. The choice of color scheme is everything if you want to pull off a true ‘royal’ wedding. White and shades of pink (for summer or spring) or purple and royal blue (for winter or fall) with a touch of gold would work well together. Go the extra mile with greenery and flowers. However, keep it simple with the rest of the decorations. Remember that less is more and that there is so much elegance in simplicity.

5. Beach Wedding. Beach weddings are a great option for couples who prefer a more relaxed, less traditional and laidback atmosphere for their special day. In order to make your guests truly feel the beach vibe, the ambiance will need to be perfect. This means putting on the right music, having the right decors such as palm trees, seashells visible at all times. You can ask your guests to come in beach attire to truly make them feel like they are at the beach. You can use a bowl filled with sand, pebbles, and starfish with a candle in the middle as a centrepiece. Favors can include a paperweight shell or rock with the names of the couple engraved or embossed on it.

6. Las Vegas Wedding. A Las Vegas wedding is one of the easier wedding themes to pull off. This theme also guarantees a night of fun for the bride and groom and guests alike given the loose, free free-spirited and risqué atmosphere and feelings it evokes. Tables can be named after the different hotels in Las Vegas. Use neon lights and rent a mobile casino. Some ideas for favors include chocolate coins or gambling chips tied with ribbon and dice beads. You can also hire a cabaret singer for entertainment during the reception.

7. Christmas Wedding. If your wedding is in December, consider having a Christmas theme. It’s called the most wonderful time of the year for a reason, and a Christmas wedding is sure to leave a mark in the hearts of you and your loved ones throughout the years. Bridesmaids can wear red, green or silver dresses while the groomsmen can don white tuxedos with silver bowties and vests. Don’t scrimp on red flowers such as red calla lilies, poinsettias or red and white roses. Decorate the venue with holly, pine, ivy and ornamental berries.

8. Renaissance or Medieval Wedding. The location or venue is absolutely critical in order to pull off an authentic renaissance or medieval themed wedding. If it permits, look for a castle or a building that resembles one and hold the ceremony and reception there. Go all out with the ivy and use large baskets of flowers and flowered garlands. Brides need to be dressed in dark and regal velvet dresses. You can use hunter green, deep purple and burgundy wine for your color palate. Men can wear boots, pirate shirts, tight and laced vests.

9. Jamaican Wedding. Jamaican weddings are always a delight to attend and participate in as they are often very relaxing and fun. First off, a Jamaican wedding isn’t an authentic one if beef patties, curry goat and jerk chicken or pork aren’t served. Rum punch is also a staple drink at Jamaican parties. Pick up some tropical decor or ask your wedding planner to, if you have one. What is important is to make your guests feel like they are actually at the Caribbean when it comes to the music, the decors, the invites and the ambience in general.

10. Backyard or BBQ Wedding. This is actually one of the less challenging creative wedding themes as it doesn’t entail that much creativity at all. You can ask your guests to come in casual attire or whatever they feel comfortable in and prepare a typical barbecue menu with items such as burgers, fries, hot dogs, chips and potato salad. Add in some gourmet food like gourmet sausages and skirt steak with mixed veggies and coleslaw on the sides. You can rent a big white tent for your guests to eat under during the reception. Dancing and some good music are good entertainment and you can cap off the night with a surprise fireworks show for your guests.

There are countless creative wedding themes out there which you can choose from and customize according to your personal taste and preference. What is important is that you and your groom are comfortable and happy with your choice because after all, it is your special day.

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Olivia Nicholas is a writer and blogger with Storkie. She has been writing articles and blogging for the wedding industry over 10 years.

Vintage Inspired Wedding Color Combinations

Whether you call it vintage, retro, or nostalgic, everything old is new again for weddings. Color palettes with an old fashioned vibe are the ideal way to infuse your wedding with the feeling of times gone by. These are some of the most beautiful vintage inspired wedding color combinations from which to choose.

Mint, robin's egg blue, and apricot: This is a delicate and feminine color palette which would be absolutely divine for a vintage style garden wedding. Set the tables with organza linens and dress them with fine china with an intricate floral design. Super romantic centerpieces created from apricot garden roses with trailing vines would be beautiful flowing from elegant footed vases. The bridesmaids for this style of wedding will be lovely in pleated organza dresses and pearl bridesmaid jewelry. For a special detail, consider having your attendants carry handpainted fans instead of bouquets.

Lilac, purple, and butter: Pale purple and yellow are delightful hues for a spring or early summer wedding with a vintage flavor. Deeper purple accents will add depth and keep the palette from being too sweet. It is easy to picture little tea cups with lilac, purple, and yellow violets on the guest book table or sugar violets on a buttercream wedding cake. For the larger centerpieces and bouquets, use old fashioned blossoms like sweet peas, lisianthus, and roses tied in shades of butter yellow, lilac, and purple. Add a unique accent like a cameo to the handle of the bride's bouquet wrap to play up the nostalgic nature of these hues. This color palette would work well for an afternoon or morning wedding in a Victorian style inn.

Turquoise and peach: Try this cheerful color combination for a whimsical retro style wedding. It is brighter than some of the other vintage color schemes, which makes turquoise and peach great for a more relaxed celebration. These would be fantastic colors to use in a tented wedding; the basic white tent will be transformed with such lively hues. Introduce your color palette with letterpress wedding invitations using your signature colors in a sweet bird or floral design. The bride and bridesmaids can carry peach flowers in loose arrangements; turquoise dresses and simple gold bridesmaid jewelry will be ideal to complete the look. In the reception space, the easiest way to combine the two bright colors is by using some printed fabrics which have both shades in the design. Charming faded florals will be ideal.

Burgundy, mauve, and hunter green: This would be an excellent color combo for a winter vintage wedding. It is definitely a more strong and masculine color palette than the other examples, and has a strong Victorian flair. It would be easy to imagine these colors for a reception in a private club or a wood paneled library. Add some gold accents and rich velvet to turn it into a luxurious holiday wedding color scheme. Choose hunter green velvet bridesmaid dresses and burgundy and mauve bouquets for a gorgeous look at the ceremony. Bold stripes in this color combination would be stunning for tablecloths at the reception, as would heavy burgundy silk tablecloths with a diamond quilted pattern. Choose this color palette for a sophisticated and bold take on a vintage inspired wedding.

Get more inspiring ideas for your wedding in Bridget Mora's other articles about wedding planning. Visit Silverland Jewelry to find the most beautiful bridesmaid jewelry for any style of wedding, from vintage to classic to modern.

Garden Design Ideas

A well planned out garden is not only a place to plant plants and trees, but also a great place to spend your time relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature. There are many types of gardens depending on a person’s taste and choice of layout. You can make a garden anywhere you choose in your house, you can have an indoor garden if you want or can have a terrace garden or an outdoor one.  While gardens are made according to individual choice and taste, there are two types of gardens which can be strongly distinguished those are flower gardens and landscaping gardens.

If a person is planning on setting up a garden at home, there are many garden design ideas that one can choose from. The choice of garden design depends on your individual taste and the availability of space. A garden can be set up in a small space or you can have a large sprawling landscaped garden if you choose.  Let’s take a look at some interesting garden design ideas that one can use to set up a...

Garden At Home
Garden for small space: Nowadays small gardens are gaining in popularity due to the limited space available in houses as well as the fact that small garden are easy to maintain and looks good. The idea to decorate your small space gardens is to have more of vertical plants which will save you place. You can use specific colors in your garden so that the garden looks uniform, place appropriate number of plants in your garden so that you got sufficient place to move around while the accessories you choose should be of appropriate size to your garden.

Wall Garden Ideas
The concept of a wall garden is used by those who like to cover their high walls or those who want some privacy from outside. The ideas to prepare a garden by placing plants that are tall and less dense along with shorter plants which can grow in limited sunlight. Following this garden design idea would make your garden look denser and is suited for small passages. However you may need a good contractor to help you build this garden design.

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Garden Terrace
These gardens are more popular with those who have big houses with a large terrace attached. The garden terrace is an ideal design for your house, which allows you to view your garden from various rooms. The terrace garden is generally attached with your living room which gives you a relaxing experience; it is also a great place to entertain your friends, when they come over. To design a terrace garden, one should have plants that are not very tall. If your terrace has ample sunlight through the day, you can plant flowering plants, placing plants which have aromatic flowers will always give your home a pleasant atmosphere. You can add some accessories in between the plants that would make your terrace garden look attractive.

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Informal Garden style
These types of gardens are created when plants are placed in such a way that they have twist and turns according to the space available. These gardens can be made any where you want, in this type of a garden you can place small and average height plants, you can add flowering plants which will add more color in your garden.Meditation garden: In this particular type of garden, plants are placed for meditation purpose. To make a meditation garden one should place plants which are flowering which will sooth your eyes, plants which have soothing aroma can be very useful during meditation.

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Rose garden
In this type of garden different type of roses are planted which have a beautiful aroma. Rose gardens should be planned carefully, one should not plant too many roses of one type which make the garden look monotonous, place roses of different colors side by side keeping equal distance between them, and you can place contracting color roses side by side.

Above are some types of garden which can be created in your home according to size and your personal  liking .Various other changes can be done in garden style to complement the individual taste.
 

David Hamer is SEO for Garden Design Cumbria.  They provide a full range of garden design services and for people search for Gardening Cumbria.

Wedding Cakes: A Brief History

From 3-tiered wonders to bespoke creations, the wedding cake is arguably the single most important component of a wedding, besides the wedding dress. But where did the tradition come from?

The idea of using cake to confirm the marriage vows goes back to Roman times, where a small bread cake was broken above the head of the bride, symbolising good fortune. Similarly, it referred to the bride’s transformation from virgin to child-bearing property of her groom. And it also had its practical use; children born of couples who didn’t carry out the tradition during their ceremony were not allowed to take high office, a sign that the wedding cake was of particular importance for the future wellbeing of the couple’s ancestors.

As traditions evolved and the cakes began to become more elaborate in their design, the ritual of breaking the cake slowly faded as it became increasingly impractical. However, the meaning still endured, and during the mediaeval times, cakes still represented fertility and prosperity. According to some records, instead of breaking the cake, it was ritualistically thrown at the bride as a gesture of good luck. Perhaps not so lucky for the bride, however.

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It wasn’t until the Victorian era that wedding cakes started to be used for their aesthetic and decorative qualities as the wedding banqueting venue become more elaborate. The white wedding cake was a sign of purity and therefore a reference to the bride, reinforcing that she was the star attraction of the day. Interestingly, the cake was also a sign of affluence, since only the finest sugars could be used to create the white icing that surrounded the cake. As a result, this was a turning point in its use; from a symbol of virtue to a symbol of status.

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In the 1950s, the tradition of having a wedding cake topper to depict the bride and groom was seen as a symbol of togetherness. For the United Kingdom, in particular, a royal wedding usually involves very elaborate cake designs. In order to accommodate the hundreds of guests attending the wedding, the cake is usually cut into small portions and put into little boxes.  Today, wedding cakes come in all shapes and sizes and with that the meanings behind them are a mixture of old and new. In particular, there is a trend recently to make several batches of cupcakes and position them on a cake stand to mimic the idea of a traditional cake, which seems related to the arts and crafts renaissance that permeates lifestyle trends at the moment.

Holmewood Hall is a wedding, conference, and reception venue located in Cambridgeshire and serving the UK.