Latest Articles by evmikna http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us Soy Candles http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/soy-candles.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/soy-candles.html Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Some good advantages in using soy wax to make your own candles are that soy wax candles produce much less soot than paraffin wax candles. If you have any spills with soy wax, it is easier to clean up than if you had spilled paraffin wax. Soy candles are known to burn longer than paraffin wax, so you know you are getting a candle that will last longer. The levels of carbon dioxide in the air will not increase when burning soy candles. There are a number of online websites and craft stores that will have everything you need to start making soy candles.

If you want to start out by making soy jar candles, it is a very easy process. You will need one pound of soy wax, and one jar; any jar will work for this. You need one ounce of fragrance oil, if you choose to make scented candles, and one wick that is safe to use with soy wax. These items are all you need to make a soy candle. You can find all these supplies easily online or at a craft store. There are more detailed instructions online to tell you everything about making your own soy candles. You can be creative and try different fragrances and oils in your soy candles. There are candle books that can give you creative ideas about making soy candles.

Try using different fragrance oils to make special scents for your soy candles, and create your own unique scents by mixing the oils together. It can be fun experimenting when making your own soy candles. To make sure you mix oils that will smell good for your candles, mix the oils first before adding them to the soy wax. This way you will know if the scent you mixed will smell good in the candle. You can also make soy votive candles. They are small candles that can be placed anywhere in your home to help you relax and create a romantic atmosphere. You can take them on trips to freshen up the different places you stay. If you smoke, you can use these votive candles to freshen up your living space. You can use the same jar repeatedly for scented soy candles. When all the wax is gone, just refill the jar again to make a new soy candle. It’s as simple as that.

Candlewicks can be used as a light source for many occasions. If your power goes out, or if you just want to have a romantic evening with your partner, then try lighting a soy candle for the occasion. If you want more light in a room, try lighting more than one candle to give the room a warm glow. Soy candles have a wonderful scent and give off a warm light for romantic evenings. Soy candles come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. One of the most popular types of candle is a jar candle. Other popular candles are pillar candles and tea light candles. You can buy many types of candleholders for your candles. Soy candles are a very popular choice when buying candles for your home.

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Alines Soy Candles sells handmade soy candles, tarts and scented soy candles.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Benefits of Hiring a Contracting Firm for Facility Maintenance http://www.articletrader.com/business/management/benefits-of-hiring-a-contracting-firm-for-facility-maintenance.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/management/benefits-of-hiring-a-contracting-firm-for-facility-maintenance.html Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Part of quality facility management involves the act of having a quality facility maintenance plan in effect. A facility requires a lot of attention if it is to run at its most efficient and productive rate of functioning at all times. The grounds will need to be tended to and the interior the facility will require equal attention. A facility must not only function properly on a business level, but it must look good too – window cleaning, carpet cleaning, floor cleaning, washroom maintenance, lighting, painting, and general maintenance will be required regularly. Some facilities have an in house staff that tends to facility maintenance issues, while other facilities rely on outside contracting firms to handle facility maintenance demands. Meanwhile, even if an in house staff exists, some facilities operate far more efficiently because it hires a contracting firm to supplement the existing staff.

A facility needs to be prepared for every demand: not only day-to-day routines, but for special events and occasions. A contracting firm can take care of landscaping and janitorial services, and thereby make certain that the facility is completely cared for every day. While some of the details in facility maintenance may seem small, a facility operator in the bigger scheme of things might overlook them. A contracting firm can place a single focus on the importance of facility maintenance and guarantee that the smaller details of organization are addressed. This leaves the facility operator to be free to address the larger issues of facility operation.

If you plan to hire a contracting firm to run your facility, there are several things you need to expect from the firm you hire. If you intend on obtaining the benefits of hiring a contracting firm for facility maintenance, you will need to hire a contracting firm, the firm must offer outstanding, individualized services; they must have superlative organization skills, and the firm should also know the business of facility maintenance inside and out. Further, the contract firm you finally hire should have excellent communication skills; you will be working with the organization on a regular basis to make sure that the facility operates perfectly. Therefore, the ability to be open and to communicate with you is a necessity. Finally, you should expect the contracting firm to customize the services they offer to your particular facility as no two facilities operate in the same way.

In order to derive the most benefits of hiring a contracting firm for facility maintenance, you will need to seek one or more contracting firms that offer a wide array of services. For example, you have the option of hiring a single contracting firm to handle your janitorial needs and a different contracting firm to handling landscaping. Alternatively, you also have the option of hiring a single contracting firm to take care of janitorial services, landscaping, carpet cleaning, painting, lighting and general maintenance. These firms provide an assortment of services. It is sometimes more fruitful or beneficial if you rely on a single contracting firm instead of several – it is far better to build a comfortable business relationship with a single firm. Whatever method you decide on, the contracting firm should serve to make your facility operate in the most productive manner possible.

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DM Burr, located in Flint, Michigan, is a Michigan cleaning service and a Michigan facilities management company.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Get the most out of your performing arts competition experience. http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/get-the-most-out-of-your-performing-arts-competition-experience.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/get-the-most-out-of-your-performing-arts-competition-experience.html Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500
1. Song choice: Choosing the right song for your voice is paramount in the competition world. You can not just choose a song because you like it. For example I love pop music however I do not sound my best when I sing in that style. A song must be suited to your voice, style, and range. Sounds Simple doesn’t it. However this is the biggest downfall that most performers make. You should know your vocal range and stay within it. Nothing is more damaging to a performance than a performer coming out on stage and screaming at the judges. If you do not know how to establish your vocal range find yourself a vocal instructor/coach to do so for you. Which Brings Me to my next point…

2. Did you have a qualified source critic your song choice and performance before you took it to the stage: Many performers feel that they have performed long enough that they no longer need a teacher/coach. That could not be further from the truth. Most successful performers have a coach/teacher on staff. They are a qualified and unbiased source of critic. While your friends and family are a great audience they do not have the skills or the education to truly judge you in this case. I find family and friends to either go one way or the other. Either they tell you everything sounds wonderful or they tend to over critic. Just because mom always wanted to hear you sing a certain song and she thinks it would be a fun piece does not mean that it is the song you should use to perform. You should always perform your song for someone qualified to judge you before you perform it for a audience. After you practice a piece to death you tend to miss obvious mistakes that others can pick up on. This second pair of ears is not only helpful but necessary for a great performance.

3. Did you pick a song that is right for the competition you are entering? You must know your judges and your audience. For example if you are performing in a local County Fair competition, singing a piece by Josh Groban may not be your best choice. Most likely the judges will not be educated in this form of music and will not enjoy it nor will those in attendance. It is not only important to win over your judges but the audience as well. It is harder for a judge to give you a bad score if you have the audience behind you. Just a side note on these types of competitions. Just remember most of these judges are not trained. They tend to be people they have found wondering around the fair grounds … so do not take the criticism to heart. Try to use these arenas for fun and experience not for professional criticism.

4.Did you dress for the Performance? Although flip flops may be in fashion there is no place for them on the stage. No matter what type of song you are singing you need to dress your best or at least the part. We live in a society wear appearance is very important. It is very well possible if they do not like your appearance you will score lower. Also be aware of your body type. Not everyone can wear anything they want. You do not need to be a size 2 to give a impressive performance but if you are a 16 and you go out on stage in a less than flattering outfit I can Guarantee it will affect your score.

5. Did you stage your performance properly: Every performance should be rehearsed just as you will perform it on stage. That being said many performers over stage their piece. It is not necessary to run all over the stage and move your hands to every word. It can be very distracting. When choreographing hand movements in to your performance make sure you are not coming a crossed as one of the “Pips” and signing every word. The audience is not deaf. You do not need these types of movements to get your point across. Sometime a song simply calls to stand still and perform with your face. Have a purpose to every movement.

6. Practice: The more you practice a piece the more comfortable you will be performing it. I realize learning a new piece is fun but be sure you have had enough time to learn it well enough to be able to perform it well.

7. Can you relate to the song?: Performing is all about telling a story to your audience. If you can not relate to the feelings of the song it will be very hard for the audience to believe what you are trying to sell them. For example a 4 yr old is going to have a hard time convincing a audience that she is crying every night over her broken heart. Most 4 yr olds only know the love of a parent and can not relate to this kind of love and should not be singing about it. Choose a piece of music you can relate to.

8.Did you leave it all on the stage? When you got done with your performance did you feel like you really worked at it? If you can not answer yes to this question I can tell you without a doubt this is the reason you did not win. As a performer you have to go out on stage and perform with your heart or the audience will not watch. Remember this is your job. Treat it as one. Also be aware of how you are acting off stage as well. There are many performers that loose points by simply acting up back stage or in front of the judges. Be careful of what you say or do the moment you hit the arena you are performing in.

All this being said remember we perform first and foremost for the love of the Art of performing. If you are enjoying yourself and loving what you do then you have already won. When it stops being fun that is the time to find another passion. Music should be something that drives you and is a part of who you are. Enjoy yourself!

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BjsSongbirds is a performing arts center providing music lessons in Grand Blanc, piano lessons in Grand Blanc.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> A Case Study: Transitioning from a Developer to a Homeowner's Association http://www.articletrader.com/society/a-case-study-transitioning-from-a-developer-to-a-homeowners-association.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/a-case-study-transitioning-from-a-developer-to-a-homeowners-association.html Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500
This transition did not come because the timing was right. It came because the developer wanted to escape from difficult situations. Residents were threatening to sue and the developer, knowing he was facing legal battles (which he probably would have won), chose to turn the board over to a new entity, a volunteer board.

The board quickly assembled and assessed the situation. They had been given only $126 from the developer. These were not even enough funds to create an association. The board decided to move the annual dues due date to the beginning of the new year to generate funds quickly to pay the lawyer's fees. Moving a dues date is never fully appreciated. However, the board communicated, in full, the rationale for the need of money.

Throughout the transition, the board actively opened a variety of creative communication channels. One of the best communication devices was to develop a subdivision website. The president of the board knew how to construct websites and set on his own to do so. The website featured a number of different communication devices. Probably the most effective tool was a forum. The board put forward a number of engaging topics. Since the developer left the association with some unfinished issues, the board put forward these topics as point of discussion. Clear rules were established so that the discussion would not degenerated into a personal attack on either the developer or board members. Positive discussion was encouraged. Positive discussion was had!

Within six months from the time the developer handed over authority, a website was created for communicating with the residents. For those residents who did not have Internet access, and for those residents who like to meet in person, open chats were held in the living rooms of various board members. These chats were productive, sometimes heated, but generally speaking, raised many issues that opened more discussion on the website forum and helped create a plan for the community to proceed.

It was only after three open chats, six months of website discussion and many hours of meeting people in person that the first plenary subdivision met. This meeting was well attended. If it were not for the open communication, this meeting could have turned ugly as subdivision meetings can do.

For those who are faced with a similar situation, the lessons in this case study should be clear. It does not take a lot of money, experience or an outside management company to correct a potentially explosive situation. It took a few volunteers who understood the importance of communication and opened channels of open communication in creative ways.

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Barry Pendley, of Evmikna Graphics, develops subdivision websites.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Help! I Have Been Elected to Serve on the Board of My Subdivision! http://www.articletrader.com/business/communication/help-i-have-been-elected-to-serve-on-the-board-of-my-subdivision.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/communication/help-i-have-been-elected-to-serve-on-the-board-of-my-subdivision.html Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Maintain a proper view of your position. Being on a subdivision board, even serving as president, does not mean that you are the most popular person. Often, it means that no one else wants to volunteer their time for the grief they endure. Carefully analyze your motives. Did you take the position because being on the board will bring you some popularity? If so, you are in for a rough term. Carefully consider what your motivations are. Establish goals and keep your position in check. You have been elected to serve your community, not become their landlord.

Open up lines of communication. Be creative and use every communication channel possible. Subdivision websites are a perfect place to publish an email address that allows residents to send messages to every board member. Why not just to the president? If every board member receives a copy of the email, then there everyone knows what has been communicated. When you meet as a board, then everyone is on the same page and there is no need to spend the first half hour bringing everyone "up to speed."

Be careful that you do not try to handle all of your communications via email. It is a well-known fact that email is one of the worst forms of communication. They are usually quickly drafted and sent off without careful thought. Therefore, other means of communication should be established. Consider establishing a forum on the website. Open your home to Open Chat sessions where everyone can come and share their concerns and ideas. If you receive a hostile email, strongly consider making a personal visit. It is easy for people to sound harsh or take strong positions with email. But, when you stop by in person, you will find, in most cases, a more amiable person.

Be Reasonable. A subdivision has a set of bylaws that are intended to maintain property values and community harmony. Those bylaws need to be enforced, but not to the extent that they are used to manipulate your community to satisfy your likes and dislikes. If you really hate your neighbor's fish mailbox and your covenants do not require mailbox uniformity, then you better not say something to that neighbor, even if they live right next to you.

Don't expect to change everything. Establish two or three goals maximum to achieve in one year. At least one of the goals should be to make an improvement to the subdivision. It could be as simple as landscaping a cul-de-sac or planting trees in the common areas. If all of the cul-de-sacs are in bad shape, choose the most prominent one. Don't try to landscape them all if you have a limited budget.

There are more considerations, but these principles will help you handle a majority of the problems you will face when you volunteer to be on a subdivision board.

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Barry Pendley, of Evmikna Graphics, develops subdivision websites.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Electric Motors are Helping to Keep Our Environment Green! http://www.articletrader.com/technology/electric-motors-are-helping-to-keep-our-environment-green.html http://www.articletrader.com/technology/electric-motors-are-helping-to-keep-our-environment-green.html Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Electric motors are used in windmills
Across the United States, windmills are being used to generate electrical power to communities. Wind energy creates electricity. Harnessing that natural current of wind makes for a very profitable energy source without harming the environment. Electric motors are used to rotate the heads of windmills 360 degrees to keep the blades in the wind's current. In the early 1990s, these particular electric motors used inferior technology and failed. Windmills use common electric motors that are easily overhauled. With improvements in the past decade, these updates that make them better than new.

Electric motors are used in gate-operated dams
Not only is wind being harnessed to create electricity, water is being used. Gate-operated dams require electric motors to open and close the gates. Nine times out of ten, these motors are obsolete. This makes it difficult to find replacement motors. Now, with the latest technological advances, these same motors can be upgraded. This saves time and money. Since the same motor housing can be used, there is no longer a need to change the mounting hardware, pulleys and wiring. Even the same electrical phase can be used. When these motors are upgraded, they are better than when they were new.

What improvements have been made to these motors?
It can truly be said that updating existing motors make them better than they ever were. Now that standards have been raised, old motors can be retrofitted into high-premium efficiency motors. Here is why.

Rewinding materials and techniques rise above the standards of decades past. Now, spike-resistant wire (also called inverter duty) replaces the older wires that failed sooner. The bearings used on the spindles and shafts are made of harder steel and alloys creating a longer-lasting bearing. The H-class insulation now used in the motor case can withstand higher temperatures and allows the motors to run cooler. This cooler motor will run more efficiently and last longer. The wire is now chemical resistant. Therefore, in those applications where harsh chemicals are used around electrical motor equipment, this improvement is very welcome. Heat-resistant polyurethane varnish reduces the amount of air that floats around the wire. When properly applied, this improved varnish improves the life of the wires, keeping your motor running efficiently and faster. Lithium grease, an old standard in electric motors is now being replaced in the higher heat applications. Newer, heat-resistant greases enable the motors to run with less friction in the more extreme elements.

With a renewed awareness on the environment and the desire to use natural, sustainable resources, the recent improvements in the electrical motor industry are welcome. The need to purchase new motors is now being reconsidered when existing motors can be updated with wiring, insulation and greases which create more efficiency. The forces brought by wind and water can be used with higher efficiency while keeping costs minimal.

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American Electric Motors rebuilds electric motors. They have been in the electric motor repair business since 1971.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> What Do Doctrinally Well-fed Teens Look Like? http://www.articletrader.com/society/religion/what-do-doctrinally-well-fed-teens-look-like.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/religion/what-do-doctrinally-well-fed-teens-look-like.html Sun, 08 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Doctrinally Sound Teens Are Able to Correlate Truth. Rote memorization of Bible verses, alone is not enough. Memorization is simply the first step in the learning process. There are many other necessary steps involved in learning. They need to be able to correlate the memorized passages. This correlation comes in a manner of different ways: First, correlating involves learning the truth from a clear exposition of Scripture. If teens are given passages of Scripture s to see the application by simply stating and teaching the truth. Give them story problems or illustrations that show them how the truth applies.

Doctrinally Sound Teens Are Discerning. When you teach teens doctrine, you are supplying them with a grid by which they can sift everything they hear, read or watch. Preaching and teaching are critical for teaching teens. However, the goal is to get teens to become self-feeders. When teens learn to feed themselves, they will become committed to doctrine. How then can you teach teens to feed themselves? Having a personal time of study (devotions) is not properly accomplished by reading a page out of a brief devotional. Teach them principles of interpretation and have them study a portion of Scripture. Make them write when they study. Over time, with consistent Make them want to feed themselves.

Doctrinally Sound Teens Are Well-fed. As church leaders, we have an obligation to proclaim everything they know about God. We are even obligated to teach even those things we don’t yet know. So we must constantly learn for ourselves! If you expect your teens to be well-fed, you need to teach them everything. That means we need to teach those doctrines which which are difficult understand or have controversial histories. Many churches do a great job teaching about salvation and eternal security. But what about the doctrines of progressive sanctification (salvation as it manifests itself in life) and perseverance of the saints (the other side of eternal security). Teens are able to comprehend these truths. When you expose them to those truths, you will be surprised to see that they will have a renewed interest in learning.

A doctrinally sound program offers variety to teens. When one thinks of doctrine, he often thinks of doctrinal subjects like, Soteriology, Anthropology, Eschatology. But, the word, “doctrine” encompasses much more than these subjects. Theologians often divide doctrines into four areas – Systematic, Biblical (Exegetical), Historical and Practical. Therefore, a doctrinally sound program will focus on these four areas.

Building a solid, doctrinal program for teens requires preparation. Any subject can be uninteresting or confusing. If doctrine has been uninteresting or confusing in the past, the problem is not with the subject itself, but with the presentation. For example, the youngest teen can understand the doctrine of Imputation. The youngest teen must understand the doctrine of Imputation. The problem is not the complexity of the doctrine of Imputation itself, but it’s presentation.

Since the goal of a solid youth program is to raise up a generation of teens that are committed to the Lord, it is imperative that time and energy are spent on the discipleship end of youth ministry. A doctrinally, well-fed teen will be a strong adult and provide great leadership for the churches of our future.

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Barry Pendley is the webmaster of free sunday school lessons which has Bible studies for all ages.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Raising a Well-fed, Doctrinally Literate Generation with Doctrinal Sunday School Lessons http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/spirituality/raising-a-well-fed-doctrinally-literate-generation-with-doctrinal-sunday-school-lessons.html http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/spirituality/raising-a-well-fed-doctrinally-literate-generation-with-doctrinal-sunday-school-lessons.html Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 How is the term “milk” popularly understood? Last year I attended a youth leader’s forum. The workshop was devoted to sharing ideas related to activities, materials, programs, and discipleship. During this “round-table” discussion the leader asked us what we were doing to disciple our teens. When I told them that we are teaching our teens the doctrines of Christ’s lordship, election, sanctification, and perseverance, the leader responded with the diplomatic: “Well … that’s good! But not every youth group is able to handle those doctrines. Teens need ‘milk.’” This workshop leader revealed a common ignorance about Paul’s use of the term “milk” – that “milk” equals primarily nondoctrinal issues.

Over the past fifty years, many discipleship manuals have either given the impression or directly stated that the term “milk” refers to a few basic teachings having to do with practice rather than doctrine.
In the discipleship booklet, This New Life of Yours, the author quotes 1 Peter 2.2 which states that a new believer is to desire the sincere milk of the Word. The author then describes what is involved in gaining the “milk” of the Word: 1) Study the Bible at every opportunity; 2) Seek qualified spiritual help; 3) Establish daily devotions; 4) Memorize Scripture; 5) Understand yourself.
Another discipleship manual, Steps to Christian Maturity, outlines what is meant by receiving the “milk” of the Word: 1) Assurance of Salvation; 2) Reading the Bible; 3) Prayer; 4) Obey-
Though these manuals contain some helpful discipleship material, I am simply making a point that our misunderstanding of the term “milk” comes from books such as these. I do not want to minimize the necessity of Bible reading, prayer, witnessing, etc. The danger is that these books, rather than Scripture, has framed our generation’s understanding of the term “milk.”
What did Paul intend by the term “milk?” The “milk” metaphor is not difficult to understand. Most everyone rightly agrees that Paul intended the word “milk” to refer to elementary biblical truths (cf. 1Co 3.2, Heb 5.12–13). Paul compared the easily digestible physical food (milk) with the easily understandable truths.

What should be noted is that Paul used the term “milk” derogatorily.
Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly – mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. (1Co 3.1–2)
When Paul called the Corinthians “infants,” they were belittled. They thought of themselves as mature, spiritual Christians. But Paul criticized them for living and thinking like babies, mere juveniles in Christ. They had not progressed beyond the elementary truths of Scripture.

What were the elementary teachings Paul had in mind? The question that remains is, “What were those elementary teachings?” Or, stated in another way, “What did Paul expect them to know and to have progressed further in their understanding?”

Consider the spiritual age of the Corinthians. The Corinthian church was established in approximately 50 ad. When Paul wrote this letter, five years later, we can safely assume that he was writing to Christians who were no older in the Lord than five years.

Consider the spiritual truths to which they were exposed. Knowing that Paul wrote to these young believers, read 1 Corinthians and consider the various doctrines. The table below identifies the various doctrines found in the first chapter. These are the doctrines the Corinthians already knew. Though they had an elementary understanding of these doctrines, they still knew them.

It is clear from the greater context of 1 Corinthians that the contemporary use of the term “milk” is quite anemic. The infantile Corinthians already knew about the doctrines of election, the efficacious call, grace, perseverance, end times, spiritual gifts, etc. The problem is that they did not progress in their knowledge and application of those doctrines.

It appears that the theological illiteracy we find today is partly due to a failure to investigate Paul’s term “milk.” An assumption has been made that “milk” is not much more than assuring, winning, and giving. Thus many disciplers have limited their training scope to these select few practical biblical truths. The shame is that the Apostle Paul expected more out of the newly saved Corinthian believers than many expect out of their Senior Saints.

The term “milk” embraces all doctrines. The question is not: “What doctrines are ‘milk’ and which are ‘meat?’” The question is “To what degree do you understand and apply biblical doctrines?”

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Barry Pendley has taught teens and college-aged young people for over 15 years. He is the webmaster of free sunday school lessons which has Bible studies for all ages.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Bring the Outside In With Country Home Decor http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/bring-the-outside-in-with-country-home-decor.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/bring-the-outside-in-with-country-home-decor.html Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Artful combinations of nature's items bring a new dimension. Some use twigs for drapery rods or grapevines for wreaths. Add wild dried flowers such as lavender, rosehips, bay leaves, and pine cones for variety. If you live on a farm or have relatives that are farmers, you can make use of those old wash boards and galvanized bath tubs. Fireplace mantles made from old fences is what we used cause that's all we had. Even outhouses have found new life!

Have you considered those everyday objects around the house that can be recycled into objects of beauty? Create country decor by sewing hand made quilts from old dresses, or curtains from hankies. Simmer potpourri on a pot belly stove and fill your room with the smell of cinnamon sticks roasting on an open flame. Dad's socks can become Christmas stockings and Grandma's doilies can be made to protect your furniture or for setting a flower pot.

Country home decor comes simply by observing every day objects imagining endless possibilities. Patch work quilts over an Abe Lincoln bed cozies up an empty room. Country decor is a bird's nest set in grape vines hung over a front door. Making something out of almost nothing is country. The feeling of going back home to our stomping grounds. Painting rocks, painting on old books, skates or old windows. Country is the time of the Prairie days or when mom rang the dinner bell with the old cow bell. Country candles, cinnamon sticks, tart warmers, colonial tin lighting, old pottery and dishes brings a memory of good times not forgotten.

Bring the outside in with country decor and cast your imagination free for the possibilities!

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Gail Eads, a well-known country decorations artist is the owner of “The Country Life” in Davison, Michigan. Her store offers gifts, antiques, country home decor and primitive decor and even custom artwork.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> How to Choose the Right Insulation Material http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/how-to-choose-the-right-insulation-material.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/how-to-choose-the-right-insulation-material.html Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 insulation products are introduced into the building industry. It used to be that crumbled up newspapers, old shoes and clothes were the best way to insulate walls in homes. Fiberglass, cellulose and now spray foam are the most common materials. What about these materials? Is one really better than the other? What should be the main factors homeowners consider when choosing to insulate their homes?

Spray foam, Cellulose and Fiberglass insulation are all good products.
There is a war of R-values. Manufacturers claim that their product has substantially greater R-value than their competitors. The fact is that there is not much difference.

R-value is simply a measurement of "resistance." It is a measurement of how resistant an insulating material to temperature differences. If the outside is freezing cold, then a higher resistance is preferred to keep the indoors warm. Therefore, the higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

For the most part, spray foam, cellulose and fiberglass have similar R-values. They are all great, time-tested materials and will provide a great insulating material. The only exception is that a polyurethane foam has nearly double the R-value of the above products. The price for polyfoam is also double.

Proper insulating methods are more important than the material itself.
Any insulation is only as good as the installation. So, it is very important that the installers fill every void. Gaps at the tops of the walls or bottoms of the walls greatly compromise the insulation's performance. In fact, the highest R-value materials will not provide much benefit if the installation was poor.

When renovating an existing house, this is the most common problem. The walls are closed cavities and installing insulation with zero gaps is nearly impossible. Make sure that the installer has many years of experience and comes with good recommendations.

Insulating your home is ultimately a matter of economics
It is true that people commonly threw newspapers and clothing into their wall systems during the early 1900s. The costs involved in heating homes were much lower, so insulation was not a great concern. Since the 1940s, heating fuel costs increased exponentially. Every decade since, insulation R-value recommendations have increased. It is important that one understands the cost savings when insulating their home.

Some homeowners think they need to have the highest R-values in their walls and at the same time never consider their attics. Since heat rises, it is best to increase the R-values in attic insulation then insulate the walls. With the new foam products, some homeowners also think that the more expensive the insulation, the better. When the fact is, the amount of insulation needed has to do with the climate and energy costs. It is better to insulate at current Department of Energy recommendations than insulate so heavily that there is no economic advantage. In fact, too much insulation can cause other problems that lead to costly fixes (i.e., restricted ventilation).

When considering insulating materials, homeowners should not overly concern themselves with the product as much as the cost of installing the product. As is always true with any remodeling or new build construction, multiple bids from experienced, recommended insulators will bring the greatest cost savings and insulating values.

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Dan Pendley has over 30 years of experience in the insulation industry, especially with fiberglass insulation



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>