What Is Compost?

Have you ever thought about what actually happens when things rot? It may be that, like me, you have got confused reading garden books, as they are usually full of vague meanings for words like `stabilised humus’! Many of you may think that making compost is an unpleasant or difficult process - well, I can assure you, it’s not! For a fast track way of changing crude organic materials into humus (something resembling soil) read `a compost pile’. The word humus, however, is quite often misunderstood, together with the words organic matter and compost Making compost is really a very simple process. It can become a natural... Read more »

Rug Colors and Dyes

The variations found in rugs and kilims around the world are amazing and beautiful.The color combinations present in a kilim or persian rug make it appealing to the eye and a wonderfully decorative work of art. Each color hides a meaning which contributesto it’s fascination. Yellow: weld, vine leaves or pomegranate peel. produces muted gold Brown : walnut shells or oak bark Green: combination of weld and indigo Purple: hollyhocks Black: walnuts Larkspur: plant Henna: leaves and flowers An observation should be made regarding slight changes in color usually seen in older rugs for this happens when the weaver starts weaving with a yarn from a different dye lot than the one previously used .This peculiarity... Read more »

Choosing The Best Hardwood Floor

With over fifty species of wood to choose from, determining which one is best can seem like a daunting task. The easiest way is to decide first what look you want. Other than the type or species of wood, three other factors determine the appearance and cost; grade, cut, and finish. The grade is determined by color, differences in grain, and the presenge of imperfections such as knots, wormholes and saw marks. There is no universal grading system because each type of wood has different standards for ideal color and grain uniformity. As a rule, wood is more expensive if it has more consistent color and grain. For informal rooms, some... Read more »

The Threat Of Mold In A Wet Basement

A wet basement is more than just an annoyance. It causes serious damage to your home and harbors dangerous mold. It is estimated that over half of all homes have damp basements. About a third of those have mold and mildew growth. Molds can be found anywhere. They are a part of the fungi kingdom and play a key role in nature in the decomposition of leaves, wood and other plant debris. But when they start digesting organic materials we don’t want them to, like our homes, we have a problem. All molds need to grow is moisture. They can grow on wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, insulation and sheet rock. We are exposed to mold spores in several ways. When disturbed, their spores are released into the air we breathe. You can also be exposed by skin contact if you handle moldy materials. For normally healthy people, most molds are not a major concern. But,... Read more »

Planting a Tulip Field or Tulip Garden: Next Spring Can be Heaven on Earth

If you enjoy tulips and building a tulip garden that will make your spring morning fresh and delightful, consider these tips for successful tulip planting. One of the most important aspects of building a tulip garden involves using the correct soil, and cultivating the ground for proper growth. In order to find out what the latest tulip planting trends are you may want to attend various tulip festivals which usually happen in spring of the year. One of the most popular of those festivals is the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. You can also view miles and miles of tulips when you visit the state... Read more »

Tankless Water Heater - Pros and Cons

Nothing can be worse than running out of hot water during a shower. Wouldn’t you wish that your water heater could supply hot water for as long as you need it? A tankless water heater can do the job. And it has other advantages too. Find out how a tankless hot water heater can make your life more convenient. There are two ways to heat water. One is to store it in a tank and heat it up there; this is what conventional heaters do. Another way is to heat water as it passes through the pipes - tankless heaters work this way. Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater Tankless heaters have four advantages: - provides hot water instantly and for as long as you need it - uses less... Read more »

Wood Blinds Add A Warm And Natural Look

If you have a room that is in need of a new look and you don’t want to invest in new carpet and furniture, try adding new window treatments, such as wood blinds or plantation shutters. Blinds and shutters provide excellent light blockage and privacy while creating a linear look. They can be combined with curtains, sheers or drapes for an interesting combination of textures and patterns. Keep in mind that the light shining through them will make their textures more distinct. Wood blinds enhance the look of your home from the inside and also the outside. They lend a natural, warm look to any room. Because they can be matched to existing wood tones, they can enhance woodwork, cabinetry and furniture. Custom blinds can be crafted to suit the decor of any room. To avoid making... Read more »

Personal Protection Devices Self Defense for Beginners

As disheartening as the thought is, it makes sense to carry a personal protection device with you. If you are considering making this decision, you probably have questions. When it comes to self-defense weapons, it is smart to inform yourself on some basic knowledge. In this way, you will be far better prepared to decide which devices and/or weapons are right for you. Before you begin, it is essential to ask yourself the following questions. 1. Is the device/weapon... Read more »

Futon Bunk Bed - Ready For A Modern Comfortable Daybed?

The futon bunk bed has come a long way from college dorms and small apartments. Asian students were the first to use futons as they were familiar with the Japanese tatami. Futons quckly became popular because of their functionality. Later, someone came up with the idea of lifting it up off the floor and creating a foldable support that would be used as sofa by day and transform into a mattress by night. If you’re thinking of buying a futon or daybed as a space-saving solution, here’s what you’ll need to note. Futon Frame Let’s look at the frame. A good quality futon frame is made of wood, with the support slats lined up close together. This way, the mattress won’t be squeezed between the slats resulting in discomfort for your back. Knowing where you will... Read more »

Kilims and Rugs.How to Care for and Prevent Damage

There is nothing worse than seeing your prized possesion with a spot or a mark on it and you do not know how it got there or what to do. This article will help you by giving you tips, suggestions and good ideas to take care of this beloved object. To start with, your hand made Oriental rug or your kilim can survive for decades depending on a number of factors. One determining factor is the quality of the rug you have, if it is a good quality one and you treat it with care, it will surely last a lot more than if your rug or kilim is of an inferior quality. Moreover, there is large number of damages which typically affect rugs, by learning about them and taking the necessary measures to prevent them from happening you will ensure a long lasting life for your treasured rug. The most common damages... Read more »