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By Mr.Andrew Caxton

Fashion and decorating trends come and go. There are some trends that we’re really happy to see go. and as far as I am concerned. the lava lamp is one of them. But now. that famous sixties trend has now reappeared on the scene.

When I was a kid. a lot of my friends had lava lamps. At that time. I thought they were just the coolest item to own. My older sister had lava lamps in her apartment so I thought it was a really mature thing to have. I begged my parents for one. first for my birthday and then for Christmas. but I never got one. My mother was way too practical; the reason I could not have one was because there was no extra outlet in my room. I was willling to give up my regular lamp. but that idea didn’t fly. Neither did the idea that we could put the lava lamps all over the house. My ill-informed mother thought they were ugly.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJwhDByLTJ4[/youtube]

I had to live by my parents decision. but the appeal of a lava lamp was all consuming. I finally saved enough money of my own from babysitting and dragged a girlfriend to go shopping with me for one. I found a store with a lava lamp on a clearance rack and became the proud owner of one. I figured I could keep it in the closet and it would add an interesting glow to my room. but my mother would not know about it. Since I did not have another outlet. I had to drag an extension cord and plug it into another outlet. I was thrilled with excitement as I put the lava lamp in the closet. using the box it came in as a table. I turned it on. and it was one of the ugliest colors I have ever seen. Maybe that is why it was on the clearance rack? Still. watching the brownish orange blobs float around inside the glass was a thrill. Just them. I was called down to dinner. and while we were eating. wer heard a load crash and then the cat came flying downstairs with a strange looking tail. She was so scared she fled beneath the sofa and wouldn’t come out. Of course. the crash was my precious lava lamp hitting the floor when the cat stepped through the extension cord. It didn’t take long for my mother to figure out what the strange liquid on the floor of my bedroom was. A terse “Clean it up” said it all. Well. a lava lamp does not have lava in it. but it sure has some strange liquid in it. It was very greasy and smelly and every time I tried to pick up the blobs. they escaped through my fingers. Two hours later the result was passable. but I could not sleep in my room due to the putrid odor. I had to ‘fess up to my mom. who said she was very dissapointed in me. Honestly. I was a good kid. and my mom had never said that to me before.

Today when I see a lava lamp I cannot understand what the appeal of that ugly thing was. especially since it caused me so much trouble and only led me to the sadness of my mom’s disappointment.

About the Author: Andrew Caxton loves writing for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . A free online magazine that carries articles on modern floor lamps, and a guide on lava lamps here

modern floor lamps

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How to buy a bathroom vanity ?

by

Chris O

One thing you have to bear in mind though when trying to improve or change your bathroom vanity furniture is the fact that you should choose it wisely. This means that you have to set a tone of your bathroom design and add the right, well-chosen quality vanity piece. The good thing about bathroom vanity furniture is the fact that it comes in different styles and finishes, such as hand painted to distressed furniture and ornately carved or minimalist straight lines.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG-lMCUcucE[/youtube]

Bathroom vanity cabinets usually come as part of your vanity or they can be installed underneath your current vanity. Resting directly under your sink, these cabinets sometimes come with a drawer or set of drawers for smaller items like your toothbrush or dental floss. Typically, vanity cabinets have doors that open out, although a few modern designs have doors that slide open. You can change the look of your current vanity cabinets by changing the pulls on the doors or giving them a new finish or coat of paint. One downside of bathroom sink cabinets is that they usually also hold your sink plumbing, so you run the risk of ending up with soggy toilet paper if you store paper goods in this cabinet and the plumbing leaks. For instance, bathroom vanity cabinets are a great way to add beauty and grace to an otherwise dull and drab bathroom. Of course, not all bathrooms are large and spacious enough to house one of these beauties. Both of my bathrooms are tiny and neither are large enough for any type of bathroom vanity cabinets. However, that does not keep me from having one in another room. Unfortunately, I question whether it is still a bathroom vanity cabinet since it is no longer in the bathroom. However, I do tend to over think things instead of accept them for what they are: simple. Bathroom vanity cabinet materials can range from glass bathroom vanities, acrylic bathroom vanities, wood bathroom vanities, granite bathroom vanities or bathroom vanities w/ granite top, cherry vanity, stainless steel metal vanities, dark wood double vanities, white vanities, black modern vanities and more. A granite vanity provides instant class and appeal to your bathroom, and many of our Virtu vanities even have a customizable bathroom vanity top, allowing you to select between granite and travertine vanity tops, all at discount vanity prices. The key to any successful redecoration is planning and you should even start without having a good plan. Make sure that you have all the measurements done correctly and that you know what you are looking for. If you do, you can start browsing through furniture stores and online furniture shops. If you take your time and if you know where to look for bathroom furniture, you won’t be disappointed and your bathroom will never look the same again. In case you are the fortunate owner of a large sized bathroom, you could choose to keep your existing facilities and add a piece of bathroom vanity furniture as described above, in which case you have to figure out the best way to fit the objects as to keep the environment proportionate. And given the large variety of options you have when it comes to choosing bathroom vanity furniture, this should not be that hard. You’ll easily improve your bathroom’s image and create a space in which you can relax.

Find your

bathroom furniture

or

bathroom vanity cabinets

at Modsaunas.com

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Benefits Of A Space Saving Shower Bath

by

Jamie Lyons

Not all bathrooms are big; many of them are spatially challenged but with todays modern bathrooms it is not necessary to make the choice between space or design. Corner baths are a clever way of grabbing extra space because baths are one of the largest things in a bathroom.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amQehfJJgUk[/youtube]

Corner baths In older styles of bathrooms the more luxurious a bathroom was the larger the appliances, today that is not the case. Modern bathroom corner units utilize areas that would otherwise be wasted. Modern corner baths can have Whirlpool jets and headrests included so that you can completely relax in a more compact space. Compact baths Compact baths not merely smaller baths they are approximately a quarter length shorter than the traditional bath. They are especially useful when you need a bath but havn’t got the space to install a full size uinit. P shape shower baths A P shaped shower bath is a bath and shower combined but one end bulges out so that there’s more room to take a shower. A shower bath gives you the best of both worlds; you have the spaciousness of a shower stall and the relaxation ability of a bath. They dramatically maximize space because you are combining two functions within one area. Only the shower area gets wet when you’re taking a shower which minimizes the mess in the bathroom. Today shower baths can be fitted with a shower screen to prevent the water from splashing into the bathroom. A shower screen is much easier to clean and maintain than the shower curtain, visually it is more minimalistic than the traditional shower curtain and is made to fit the curves of the bath perfectly. In some cases these shower screens are of a magnetic finish which makes them absolutely water tight. This feature reduces cleaning time which is always a bonus. One of the added advantages of a shower bath is the fact they come in right and left-handed models. This means the functionality of the bath is doubled and there is no compromise on design you can still have a modern bathroom design. Because shower baths are at the cutting edge of design many manufacturers are trying to be the best and shower baths are having more modern features added to them all the time. One of these new additions is a curved towel rack. As shower bath designs are changing so quickly it is worth taking a look online to have a look at the huge range of bathroom taps and shower and bath units.

Written on behalf of

Branded Bathrooms

and

Designo Radiators

the number one suppliers in Bathrooms and accessories in the UK:

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By Vincent Platania

What is it about kitchen floors that attract not only all kinds of fallen food particles, but dust bunnies, pet hair, and other random small pieces of debris? This accumulation of “stuff” is unsanitary in general, and for those with small children, temptation for taste-testing and choking hazards. Dirt and dust kicked up from a kitchen floor can end up in food and cooking utensils. Using an effective cleaning method can drastically help maintain floor cleanliness prior to and in between mopping. For many people, a clean sweep broom is an economical, easy answer.

Choosing a Broom

Many people opt for a kitchen broom because they are lightweight, easy to use and store, and are economical in both cost and time. There are many broom styles available, each with different purposes. While many people are aware of some basic brooms, such as a large push broom, wide clean sweep broom, or hand broom, many consumers may not be aware of the differences in design. Everything from bristle content to shape and handle length can affect the usefulness of the broom. However, when chosen appropriately, the correct broom can make a “clean sweep” of cleaning.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07GXQ-SP14E[/youtube]

A kitchen broom’s effectiveness depends on the type of bristles (synthetic verses natural), how well the bristles contain debris, and how well they sweep debris into a dustpan. A clean sweep broom is the best choice for a kitchen. Clean sweep brooms typically have a wider head, with some up to three feet wide. However, if too wide, the broom can be difficult to maneuver in a kitchen space. A clean sweep broom designed for kitchen use is easier to use while still offering the benefits of the clean sweep design. A shorter head also makes transferring to a dustpan much easier.

A stiff bristle that sprays dust around when using a dustpan defeats the purpose. Likewise, using a clean sweep broom and then switching to a handheld broom is an inefficient use of time (and a handheld broom may not do any better of a job at transferring debris into a dustpan). To avoid the spread of dust, look for a clean sweep broom that has frayed or “flagged” bristles. This helps the broom lock in debris, particularly small dust particles. The flagged design of a clean sweep broom also makes it effective on a variety of flooring styles, from bumpy laminate to tile to hardwood. Soft bristles also reduce or eliminate floor damage. An angled head can help reach those nooks and crannies, as well. A kitchen broom head that is angled or splayed on either side eliminates the need to switch the broom around, which in turn keeps the dust under control.

The handle length is also an important element to consider. If too short, poor posture and back strain can result. Look for a kitchen broom with ample length, but not so long that it is difficult to maneuver when sweeping into the dustpan. When used with an upright dustpan, sweeping and clean up can be a breeze. A handle ranging from about thirty-six to forty inches is comfortable for most people. Ideally, the clean sweep broom will have a method of hanging, such as a hole in the top end of the handle or a cord. Hanging the broom when not in use protects the bristles from damage and keeps moisture from accumulating in the bristles.

The Care of a Clean Sweep Broom

Can you clean a broom? Absolutely. Avoid banging the head of a broom against a wall or other hard surface to shake out the dust, as this can damage the head and pollute the immediate air space. (Nor is this the broom to use for beating area rugs to clean them!) Instead, look for a broom that is made from fibers such as plastics that rinse clean easily. Rinsing is more effective and keeps the dust controlled. Adding mild soap and water will assist in the process if there is a lot of dust buildup. If the heads are removable with The the cleaning process is that much simpler. If the broom head becomes moldy, try cleaning it first, and if it is still too dirty, replace the head. Hanging a clean sweep, or any other type of broom, will help eliminate moisture getting into the bristles, which can develop into mold or mildew. Synthetic bristle fibers help reduce the chances of molds or mildews developing, although proper storage is still required.

About the Author: Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company. Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean. Visit

fuller-brush-products.com

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By Patricia Holland

Commercial Umbrellas are as ubiquitous as outdoor coffee shops, restaurants, and swimming pools. A nicely shaded table is an absolute necessity for casual outdoor diners and coffee aficionados. And with today’s warnings about too much sun exposure, umbrellas are a requirement at poolside. Besides, the vibrant colors will decorate your entire pool area as well as any outdoor dining area. Commercial Umbrellas are offered in a variety of materials and designs for specific applications. They must be attractive and be able to withstand constant, destructive weather conditions. Let’s review the major types of umbrellas.

Fabric Umbrellas are perhaps the most common type of Commercial Umbrellas sold in the United States. They are built with a commercial grade fabric that is designed to endure harsh weather conditions found at beaches, hotels, and mountain retreats. The fabric must be resilient enough to withstand strong winds and not tear and impervious to a strong, down pouring rain. The fabric must also be resistant to mildew and the sun’s damaging rays. The fabric should also have some UV inhibitors to prevent color fade over time. In addition, the fabric should have a ‘breath-ability’ that means it won’t trap heat or moisture. This is a long list of qualities that an umbrella fabric should have but today’s technology can produce these types of fabrics.

Vinyl Umbrellas are suitable for less demanding Commercial Umbrella applications. They are more suitable for locations that have constant temperatures and less damaging weather conditions. Usually these umbrellas are sold with an aluminum pole with a tilt mechanism and are folded with a crank handle.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxJtQTzmwhw[/youtube]

Wind-Resistance Umbrellas are specially designed Commercial Umbrellas for locations that experience frequent and strong winds. They are built with a wind vent at the top of the umbrella that allows wind and air to escape. They also are built with unique fiberglass ribs that are very strong and will flex with the wind. They are usually sold with an aluminum pole with a tilt mechanism.

Fiberglass Umbrellas are very tough and weather resistant Commercial Umbrellas. They have a very long lifespan and are more durable than fabric or vinyl. They are usually built in seven or eight foot diameters and will tilt and swivel on the pole during windy conditions. A protective coating up to 20 milliliters thick with UV inhibitors will help prevent color fading from sun exposure.

Aluminum Patio Umbrellas are some of the most durable Commercial Umbrellas available. They possess an aerodynamic design that gives them a high degree of wind resistance. This design allows the umbrella to open and rotate slightly in windy conditions, thereby redirecting the wind up and safely away. These umbrellas are usually decorated and protected with a variety of color thermoplastic coatings. These umbrellas can be left outside for constant use and are virtually topple proof. Their durability and low maintenance will give provide years of longevity.

Commercial Umbrellas should be purchased with a base unit to provide stability and prevent toppling. Generally there are two types of umbrellas bases available, concrete and steel. Concrete bases are made of concrete and usually measure about 19 inches in diameter and 14 inches in height. They will function well with umbrella poles of 1 1/2″ – 1 3/4″ diameter. Steel bases are usually made of steel and then coated with a thermoplastic covering for corrosion protection. Generally they will accommodate umbrella poles up to 2′ in diameter. Steel bases have the added advantages of being available with wheels and with bolt down options.

About the Author:

XPB Locker

. Read more about

commercial umbrellas.

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By Criss White

Showering is one of the most relaxing yet rejuvenating ways to start up your day. As you have the rest of the day’s activities in your head, you head on calmly to the shower. As you would continue your morning rituals of shaving, brushing your teeth or applying make-up, you turn to your bathroom mirror and see nothing but fog covering the whole mirror. The moisture and steam generated in the bathroom when you take a shower is the culprit as to why your bathroom mirror gets all fogged up. What happens next is you clean, or rather, scrub the mirror over and over again to remove the fog and make it squeaky clean before you use it. Here is how you can prevent your bathroom mirrors from fogging up in the first place.

– A simple, temporarily effective and pretty obvious way of keeping bathroom mirrors fog-free is by placing a towel over the mirror. You can just hang the towel over the mirror so that the moisture will not attach to the mirror. You can place clamps over the corners of the mirror to secure the towels and prevent it from falling off. Without them, the towels may fall off by the time you step out of the shower. Be careful though in placing clamps so as to not damage the corners of the mirror or inflict injury on your hands.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D9h5sGj1oM[/youtube]

– You can also use anti-fog supplies that you use for your car on the bathroom mirrors. The glass surfaces are basically the same and the anti-fog properties are also the same as it battles the same type of fog. For this to work, you must first wipe off the glass with a clean piece of cloth to remove dirt to allow the anti-fog agents to set in. Next, on the other side of the cloth put a generous amount of the anti-fog solution. In a circular motion, rub the anti-fog solution into the glass. This will keep your glass fog-free for the next few showers at least.

– As a practical and sort-of homemade trick, use shaving cream on your mirror to prevent fog. Same with applying any cream on any mirror, remove dirt from the mirror by wiping it clean with a clean cloth. Next, spray a small amount of shaving cream on one side of the mirror and with a circular motion, rub the shaving cream on the whole surface.

It doesn’t matter what type of anti-fog solution or shaving cream you have because all of these work wonders in keeping your bathroom mirror fog-free. So next time you shower, remember to do any of these tips so you can step out of the shower completely relaxed and ready to do what you need to do next. Solving your fog problem is easy and doesn’t take that much time and energy. Yet the benefits will be truly felt as you start of your day hassle-free and without any annoying bathroom mirror fog that can ruin the flow of your morning.

About the Author: Criss White writes for Bridal and Wedding Favors on home, wedding, and family topics. To view some

mirror compact favors

or browse through some

picture frame favors

, visit Bridal and Wedding Favors.

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By Jesse Akre

Are you sick of walking into each one of your friend’s homes only to see that every last one of them looks exactly like your own home? If that is you, then you are probably looking for a way for your space to stand out from the rest in a good way and putting some decorative switch plate options throughout your space is a fantastic way to do it.

When it comes to this lovely fixture, you might not know it, but there are actually a lot of decorative switch plate options to choose from. First off, they come in many different shapes and sizes from those that have the usual rectangle shape to others that are circle, abstract, and others that can have really unique shapes with ones that look like wine bottles, horses, even UFOs and sports equipment like basketballs and baseballs. Along with their many shapes, they are also made from a wide variety of substances. You can get ones made out of plastic that come in all sorts of colors, others that are made out of leather and are sewn together in many eye-catching designs, and you can even get ones made out of stone like marble and granite. There are ones made from metal, wood, acrylic, porcelain, and ceramic too. For a stress free way to check out all the choices, resist the temptation to hop in your car and head down to your local hardware store. The thing to do instead, is to just turn on your family computer and do some online shopping. You can compare all the products without leaving your home and probably will find exactly what you want for the best prices around.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLIt0M4AeP4[/youtube]

Probably the best thing about all of these options, is that you can effortlessly find ones to match current motif that you have going on in the different rooms of your home, which makes it easy to give your space some character. For example, maybe you have plain cream colored ones in your living room right now that kind of clash with your wood trim. Well, if you want to spruce your space up a bit, then a nice option would be to get ones that are also crafted out of wood with the same finish as your wood trim, which would provide a nice accent to that trim. Or, maybe you have some plain white ones in your bathroom space that match your white walls. To add a little pizzazz to that bathroom, than a nice choice would be some made out of ceramic that have an eye-catching design painted right on them. Like, one that features a fun bathtub and rubber ducky scene or another one that has flowers or others patterns on it.

So, if you are looking to have your home stand out from everyone else’s, then turn to the many decorative switch plate selections that are available. Make sure to get some today for an easy way to add some character to your space.

About the Author: Jesse Akre, author, shares with you on

switchplate covers

,

switch plates

and

light switch plate

.

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